Glass. 
Book 







A/u dinted . — y 






-U*X 






HEADS 



OF THE 



ALABAMA LEGISLATURE 



AT THE 



SESSION OF 1842-3. 




BY THE 
EDITOR OF "THE INDEPENDENT MONITOR." 



TUSKALOOSA, (ALA.) 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY M. D. J. SLADE 

1843. 

* 



l^fff 



NOTE. 



The circulation given by the newspaper press of 
Alabama, to the " Heads of the Legislature," 
first published in the " Independent Monitor" between 
March 1, and April 26, 1843, induced the Publisher 
to issue them in a form more convenient for perusal, 
and better adapted to supply the demand, of which 
the editions of his paper fell short. The introduc- 
tory and closing remarks explain the object of the 
author in preparing the sketches. To the fidelity of 
their execution, there has been general assent. 

The Legislature, of which " Heads" are publish- 
ed, convened December 5, 1842, and adjourned 
February 15, 1843 — making a laborious session of 
seventy-two days. 



LIST OF "HEADS." 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

of Greene, Pnge 10 



Mr. Speaker Erwin, of Gre< 
Abernathy, of Benton, 
Banks, of Tuscaloosa, 
Barclay, of Talladega, 
Barron, of Perry, 
Bishop, of Talladega, 
Bothwell, of St. Clair, 
Bridges, of Wilcox, 
Caffey, of Montgomery, 
Cain, of Walker, 
Calhoun, of Dallas, 
Campbell, of Mobile, 
Clay, of Madison, 
Cochran, of Benton, 
Cooper, of Cherokee, 
Crowder, of Pike, 
Cunningham, of Monroe, 
Dear, of Wilcox, 
"J Dortch, of Sumter, 
Douglass, of Lauderdale, 
Dubose,of Clarke, 
Dunklin, of Lowndes, 
Dunn, of Mobile, 
Earle, of Jefferson, 
English, of Limestone, 
Erwin, of Mobile, 
Finley, of Jackson, 
Fletcher, of Marshall, 
Fowler, of Blount, 
Gamble, of Henry, 
Gardner, of Pickens, 
Garland, of Franklin, 
Gasque, of Baldwin, 



14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
19 
21 
22 
23 
25 
29 
30 
31 
33 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
41 
41 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
47 
48 
49 



Mr. Gresham, of Tallapoosa, - . Page 50 

Griffin, of Marshall, . . -51 

Harris, of Russell, - - - 52 

Harrison, of Lowndes, - _ 53 

Henderson, of Butler, " - - 54 

Hendrix, of Cherokee, " - - 54 

Henley, of Marengo, . . _ cr 

Hill, of Bibb, - - 56 

Hodges, of Pike, " - - - 56 

Hubbard, of LaAvrence, 57 

Jackson, of Barbour, - - - 60 

Jones, of Conecuh, " - - 62 

Jones, of Covington, - , _ 53 

Jones, of Greene, - - - 64 

Kendrick, of Coosa, qq 

Kennedy, of Lauderdale, 67 

Kennedy, of Marion, - - -• 68 

Kidd, of Shelby, . - 69 

Lankford, of DeKalb, - - 70 

Marchbanks, of Fayette, 72 

Martin, of Benton, ... 72 

McClung, of Madison, 70 

McCoy, of Mobile, ... 75 

McLemore, of Chambers, 75 

Mc Million, of Jefferson, ... 79 

Merriwether, of Tuskaloosa, 79 

Miree, of Perry, ... 79 

Mitchell, of Autauga, . _ _ gj 

Moore, of Madison, §2 

Moore, of Perry, 33 

Morgan, of Autauga, §4 

Morgan, of Chambers, §5 

Morris, of Fayette, 86 

Morrisett, of Monroe, ... §7 

Morrison, of Bibb, §9 

Mundy, of Jackson, 90 

Murphy, of Randolph, 92 

Norman, of Franklin, 93 

Norris, of Dallas, 94 

Oliver, of Macon, 95 

Pettit, of Barbour, ... 96 

Pickett, of Marengo, 98 

Porter, of Tuskaloosa, ... 95 

Pynes, of Henry, - . _ 102 

Rice, of Morgan, - 103 



Mr. Richeson, of Franklin, - - Page 104 

Robinson, of Madison, ... 105 

Roby, of Morgan, .... 107 

Scott, of Jackson, .... 107 

Skipper, of Dale and Coffee, - - 109 

Smith, of Lauderdale, - - - 112 

Smith, of Pickens, - - - 113 

Smith, of Tuskaloosa, -• - - 114 

Storrs, of Shelby, .... 121 

Tate, of Limestone, - - - 122 
^ Turner, of Washington, 

Valliant, of Lawrence, - - - 123 

Walker, of Lawrence, - - 124 

Ware, of Montgomery, - - - 125 

Watts, of Butler, - - 126 

Wharton, of Blount, - - 128 

Williams, of Jackson, - - - 128 

Williams, of Pickens, - - - 129 
Winston, of DeKalb> - - .129 

Winston, of Sumter, - - 131 

Witherspoon, of Greene, - - - 132 

"* Woodward, of Sumter, - 133 



SENATE. 



Mr. President Terry, of Limestone, - Page 135 

Arrington, of Butler and Pike, - 137 

Baylor, of Jefferson and St. Clair, - - 139 

Brindley, of Blount and Marshall, - - 140 

Buford, of Barbour and Russell, - - 140 

Creagh, of Clarke, Baldwin and Washington, 142 

Dailey, of Macon and Tallapoosa, - - 143 

Dent, of Tuskaloosa, - - - 144 

Fleming, of Madison, - - - 145 

Foster, of Cherokee and DeKalb, - - 146 

Hall, of Autauga and Coosa, - - 147 

Hudson, of Franklin, - - - 148 

Hunter, of Lowndes, ... 150 

Jones, of Sumter, .... 152 

King, of Pickens, .... 154 

McAllister, of Henry, Covington and Dale, 155 

McClanahan, of Morgan and Walker, - 155 

McConnell, of Talladega, - - - 156 

McVay, of Lauderdale, - - - 159 

Moores, of Marengo, - - - 161 

Oliver, of Montgomery, ... 162 

Phillips, of Dallas, - - 164 

Reese, of Chambers and Randolph, 166 

Rodgers, of Lawrence, - - 167 

Ross, of Wilcox, - - - 169 

Thornton, of Greene, - - 170 

Toulmin, of Mobile, - - 172 

Walker, of Benton, - - - 173 

Walthall, of Perry, - - • - 174 

Watkins, of Monroe and Conecuh, . - 175 

Watrous, of Shelby, - - 175 

Wilson, of Fayette and Marion, - - 176 

Wilson, of Jackson, - - - 177 



HEADS 



OF THE 



ALABAMA LEGISLATURE. 



The impression generally prevails, that the mea- 
sures of the late session will have a very decided 
bearing, for good or for evil, on the interests and 
destinies of the people of Alabama. To this opinion 
we heartily subscribe, but shall not leave it to con- 
jecture to determine on what side the action of the 
Legislature will, in our judgment, preponderate. 

It has been justly remarked, in several prints of 
the State, that the late session was distinguished for 
superior talent and experience among the members ; 
and from such an occurrence, by no means very usual 
in this State, it would be unfair to the public if they 
did not reap better fruits than they had been accus- 
tomed to receive from the Legislature. The fact is, 
there will be excitement for a year or two, in the 

community, in relation to what has been done with 

9 



10 MR. ERWIN, OF GREENE. 

the Banks, and for the maintenance of the public 
faith; yet, the time cannot be distant, when the 
salutary effects of those measures will be demonstra- 
ted, and when their authors and supporters will be 
thanked for their firmness, as well as for their saga- 
city. 

In view, then, of the judgment to be pronounced 
by the popular mind, on the legislation to which we 
have referred, we shall introduce each member of 
the Legislature, so far as our knowledge extends, to 
the contemplation of our readers. Of course, our 
sketches will be brief, but not the less faithful to 
character. The order in which we shall examine 
members, is that of the roll. 



Mr. Speaker ERWIN, (Of Greene.) 

His official position in the House, puts his name at 
the head of the roll, while it renders him the most 
conspicuous object of attention. The political cha- 
racter of this gentleman is as much an enigma, as he 
is personally remarkable. To do him complete jus- 
tice, he should never be classed with either of the 
two parties ; for his nature forbids such an associa- 
tion. In 1838, he was a firm champion of the late 
Bank of the United States, and a most inveterate op- 
ponent of the Sub-Treasury. Then, Henry Clay 
was, in his opinion, the greatest and safest statesman 



MR. ERWIN, OF GREENE. 11 

in existence, and Martin Van Buren no better than 
he should be. With the next year came a change 
of doctrine, and with it, his separation from the whig- 
party. Ever since, his course has been the subject 
of speculation and distrust. The Democrats prefer 
honoring their original friends, to eleventh hour re- 
cruits. This was signally the case in the last elec- 
tion for Congress, when the claims of Mr. Erwin were 
passed over with something of abruptness. 

But there are points in Mr. Erwin's character, 
in which it is far more interesting to consider him. 
Twenty years ago he emigrated from Kentucky, his 
native State, and settled in the adjoining county, 
where he has since resided. He is represented to 
have been a young man without fortune, or any strik- 
ing promise in his profession ; and, as was very natu- 
ral, under such circumstances, he was made to feel 
the stings of poverty, which long indisposition in his 
family rendered but the more keen and harrassing. 
All this time, his bearing was that of a manly and in- 
dependent spirit. Self-confidence never deserted him; 
and it is said he even solaced himself, at that gloomy 
period of his fortunes, with threats of putting his ene- 
mies to shame. By the aid of a few personal friends, 
who understood and valued his merits, the office of 
justice of the peace was conferred on him ; the du- 
ties of which he discharged so promptly and well, 
that he monopolized nearly all the business within 
his jurisdiction. His assiduity and method in that 
situation became proverbial ; his practice at the bar 
gradually assumed a wider range, and in the course 
of eight or ten years, he stood among the leaders of 



12 MR. ERWIN, OF GREENE. 

his profession, not only in the value of his practice, 
but for ability. 

A man constituted like Mr. Erwin, and experienc- 
ing, as he did in the outset of life, the inconvenience 
of poverty, and the sneers of the purse-proud, will 
find no difficulty of taking care of himself when for- 
tune turns propitious. By his indefatigable diligence, 
his uniform punctuality, and bold assertion of his 
rights, Mr. Erwin has acquired an ample provision of 
the good things of life ; and it only now remains for 
him to run that career of political ambition and suc- 
cess which it is natural he should desire, and for 
which many believe him peculiarly qualified. 

Among the infirmities of Mr. Erwin, (and the 
greatest men have infirmities of some kind,) is too 
much prolixity in his speeches, either at the bar, 
on the hustings, or in the legislature. Though 
he talks with excellent sense all the time, and is 
frequently instructive and eloquent, yet there is a 
circle of repetition and diffuseness in his six-hour 
speeches, and even those of a less duration, which 
fatigues his hearers, and often destroys impressions 
which it was his object to produce and preserve. 
This habit, owing, no doubt, to his sanguine feelings, 
and relish for vocal harmony, renders him an unwel- 
come figure in debate, even among his friends, who 
appear often at a loss to decide whether their cause 
has gained by the ability of his arguments, or has 
suffered by the too intense and protracted action of his 
lungs. This quality does not, however, detract from 
his superior fitness as a presiding officer. Ten years 
ago, he was President of the Senate, and is said, 



MR. ERWIN, OF GREENE. 13 

even at that early period of his public life, to have 
acquitted himself with dignity and praise. A better 
choice, indeed, none so good, for Speaker of the 
late House of Representatives, could have been 
made in that body. Mr. Erwin possesses a high 
bred courtesy, a quick and discriminating percep- 
tion of all the forms and usages common among 
gentlemen, and which are incorporated in the par- 
liamentary law. In keeping the business of the 
House, in stating questions, and in deciding points 
of order, however intricate or frequently raised, Mr. 
Erwin acted with great facility and correctness. 
He richly deserved the unanimous vote of thanks 
which he received at the adjournment. 

We have already devoted more space to one sub- 
ject of our sketches than we can extend to each 
prominent member of the House. In regard to Mr. 
Erwin, generally, it is only fair to say, that he is an 
able lawyer, a man of indomitable energy, of scru- 
pulous honor in his engagements, and of polished, 
though not very cordial address. There is evident- 
ly a sourness in him towards mankind, which, dis- 
guised as it may be, is too manifest ever to multiply 
warm personal friends, either by advances on his 
part, or by others. His ordinary civilities, than 
which none are more genteel, are so impatient and 
constrained, that the object of them sees that they 
do not proceed from a kind or benevolent disposi- 
tion; and for that reason they seldom captivate. 
His manners are haughty in the extreme, and beto- 
ken a generous estimation of himself. Towards 

those understood to take part against him in any 

2* 



14 MR. ABERNATHY. 

respect, he is unforgiving, and often scorches them 
with sarcasm. But in spite of all these peculiarities, 
Mr. Erwin is a considerable man; — one destined, 
perhaps, to act a still more conspicuous part in the 
affairs of Alabama. But, we said in the beginning 
of this article, that he did not properly belong to 
either political party. Such, we still believe, is the 
fact ; though, to prevent misconception or injustice, 
we give it as our opinion, that he does belong to a 
party, and to only one — the " Erwin" party. A 
man of his emulation and bearing would never be 
reconciled to any other interest. 

Mr. Erwin, we should judge, was about forty-five 
years of age, though he has a youthful appearance, 
and one highly indicative of talents. 



Mr. ABERNATHY, (of Benton,) 

Is a merchant, and appeared quite attentive to the 
business of his constituents. We never heard him 
address the House, except a few words by way of 
motion ; still, we saw no evidence that he could not 
have interested his fellow members, had he been so 
disposed. Though not exactly from the mountain 
region, yet he is a democrat of that school. 



MR. BANKS. 15 

Mr, BANKS, (of Tuscaloosa,) 

Is an independent planter, and made his debut in 
public life, the first day of the session, on the strength 
of the largest vote ever given to a representative of 
his county. He is a gentleman of great modesty of 
character, firm in his political convictions, and never 
wavering when a sense of duty calls him to act. 
He addressed the House on a few occasions, and was 
listened to with respect; though he was usually 
excited, or at least spoke as if the question was one 
of feeling, personal to himself. We recollect dis- 
tinctly the vehemence of his tone and manner, when 
he explained to the House his reasons for supporting 
Mr. Campbell's amendment to the revenue bill. 
Had we not heard him on the stump, and known his 
earnestness, we should have inferred that Mr. Banks 
was highly indignant, and that he was going to 
make war, forthwith, upon some luckless adversary. 
This excitement will give way, no doubt, to further 
practice in public speaking ; but there will always 
remain enough to convince his hearers that he not 
only believes, but feels, what he is saying. Mr. B. 
is warm in his friendships, studious of the interests 
of the people, and bids fair, young as he is, to make 
a useful legislator. His education is liberal, and he 
bestows much attention on passing events. With 
these aids, he cannot be otherwise than qualified to 
assert and defend the rights of his constituency. He 
belongs to the Whig party. 



16 MR, BARCLAY. 

Mr. BARCLAY, (Of Talladega,) 

Is no doubt a well disposed member, and used his 
best exertions to serve the people to whom he was 
indebted for his seat. Certain it is that no gentle- 
man exhibited a greater or more frequent anxiety to 
know the state of the question, or to have his doubts 
removed as to what would be the effects of his vote 
on it. It was by no means a rare occurrence that 
Mr. Barclay expressed a change of opinion after he 
had voted, and thereupon applied to the House for 
permission to make the journal set forth his latest 
conclusion. He is entitled to the thanks of mem- 
bers distant from the clerk's table, for his great 
assiduity in having bills read for his own informa- 
tion, when in fact, members who had just entered 
the hall, pending the question, were as much profit- 
ed as himself by the reading. The subjects that 
appeared to excite his attention most, were those 
which related, in some way, to justice's courts ; a 
circumstance so generally noticed, that an intima- 
tion was thrown out from some quarter on the floor, 
that he was legislating for the interests of a certain 
profession, some of whose members were in the habit 
of addressing those republican tribunals. Mr. Bar- 
clay disabused the House of its suspicions, by declar- 
ing that he was no lawyer, — an act of frankness on 
his part for which he was rewarded with the smiles 
of members of the bar present, who seemed to re- 
joice that the dignity of their profession could sur- 
vive the disclaimer. As a speaker, Mr. Barclay did 



MR. BARRON. 17 

not assume any great pretension, though he was not 
unfrequently on the floor. His eloquence, if such it 
may be called without abusing the term, had a de- 
cidedly soporific effect ; it induced gentlemen who 
had nothing else to do, to make up in the House any 
deficiency in their slumbers, caused by late hours in 
the preparation of public business. Of course Mr. 
Barclay is a democrat. 



Mr. BARRON, (Of Perry,) 

Has been a member several years. He is a 
planter, of sound intelligence, and quite .diligent in 
the discharge of his public duties. His remarks in 
the House seldom extend beyond a suggestion or 
two, pertinent to the subject. He never allows 
himself to be surprised by a question, but has his 
mind entirely satisfied in regard to it, before he acts. 
His votes, as well as his professions, constitute him a 
true whig. From his appearance, we should take 
him to be fifty years of age. 



18 MR. BISHOP. 

Mr. BISHOP, (Of Talladega,) 

Is not without peculiar manifestations of charac- 
ter ; and he was strongly attached to relief measures, 
such as the stay of executions, for one year, on de- 
fendant's securing the debt. He was also in favor 
of drawing specie from the banks, in cases where it 
was demanded by plaintiffs in execution, and intro- 
duced a bill to that effect, which met a cruel fate. 
One of the singularities of Mr. Bishop, was his regu- 
lar occupation of the area of the hall, in the interval 
between taking questions. His practice of crying 
" yes" or " no" on any motion before it was put, re- 
minded one of a pitch-pipe to govern music ; and the 
shake of his head, when any measure w T as not ac- 
ceptable, was certainly a very good reason why the 
discussion should be addressed directly to him, es- 
pecially if there had been any cause to apprehend, 
(of which we saw no sign,) that his vote would con- 
trol the action of gentlemen below him in the alpha- 
betical list of the clerk. Few men in the House 
stood up to the democratic party, right or wrong, 
with more pertinacity than Mr. Bishop, or seemed to 
rejoice as much in the triumph of party force, how- 
ever questionably exerted. He is a planter, a little 
beyond the prime of life. 



MR. BOTHWELL. — MR. BRIDGES. 19 

Mr. BOTHWELL, (of St. Clair,) 

Is a physician, and his conduct in the House was 
quiet and exemplary. He was several weeks con- 
fined to his room by indisposition, but was habitual- 
ly in his place when able to attend the sittings of 
the House. We do not recollect of his tresspassing 
on the attention of his fellow members, by any re- 
marks beyond the offering of petitions and bills, 
during the session. So far, however, from this be- 
ing an evidence of his want of capacity, it increased 
the respect of all who had the pleasure of knowing 
his general intelligence. The section of country from 
which Mr. Bothwell hails, vouches for his democracy. 



Mr. BRIDGES, (of Wilcox,) 

If not the leader of the democratic party in the 
House, inclined very much to the opinion that it was 
his right to be such. As chairman of the committee 
of ways and means, he was of course identified with 
the revenue bill, which it was made his duty to re- 
port. Mr. Bridges made himself prominent on more 
than one occasion in the House. He preferred a 
very grave complaint against Mr. Rice, of Morgan, 
who was in the Speaker's chair, for not recognizing 
his, (Mr. B's) attempt to get the floor, when the hour 



20 MR. BRIDGES. 

of 5 o'clock ended the sitting of the House, under 
a standing rule. Something like a note or resolu- 
tion was read the next day, but as no action was 
desired on it, it returned to his pocket. Mr. Bridges 
insisted that his rights should not be trampled upon 
by the occupant of the chair, whoever he might be ; 
and threw out a pretty strong intimation that his 
grievances should be redressed elsewhere, than in 
the House. But the whole matter passed off with- 
out disturbing the public deliberations long, and we 
believe Mr. B. was satisfied thereafter, in some way, 
for he seemed to be on good terms with the presid- 
ing officer, even when Mr. Rice filled the chair. 

While discussing the bill to put one of the branch 
banks in liquidation, Mr. Bridges made a very ill- 
natured and unprovoked assault on that portion of 
the citizens of Alabama, who had been unfortunate 
in their pecuniary affairs. He charged them with 
having no interest in the government, because they 
contributed nothing to its support. Surely such an 
outrage on the feelings of thousands in every respect 
as virtuous and estimable as Mr. Bridges, in all the 
relations of life, did not spring from the mere cir- 
cumstance that he was, himself, beyond the reach of 
misfortune, and that his wealth gave him the privi- 
lege of insulting others with impunity ! In politics, 
M. B. has done service on both sides. Some years 
ago he was spoken of for Congress as an avowed 
advocate of a National Bank. Now, he can hardly 
find language strong enough to express his hostility 
to such an institution. He appears to be tinctured 
with ambition ; and it is said that the elevation of 



MR. CAFFEY. 21 

another to the Speaker's chair, was a sad blow to 
his happiness. At all events, he was hard to please 
on the floor, and frequently inflicted on the House 
some of the most scattering- and tiresome harangues 
made during the session, though his abilities are 
quite respectable. He claimed a degree of person- 
al importance which the House saw no good reason 
for according to him ; hence his general captious- 
ness and want of influence. Certain it is, that Mr. 
Bridges did not gain as many laurels as other gen- 
tlemen did, who exhibited far less ostentation in 
their pursuit. To an extensive fortune as a planter, 
Mr. B. adds the emoluments of the law as a profes- 
sion. His personal appearance is in his favor, and 
from his gray head, he would be taken for sixty 
years of age ; but of this he is short ten or fifteen 
years. 



Mr. CAFFEY, (Of Montgomery,) 

Is somewhat advanced in life; a remarkably at- 
tentive member on the sittings of the House, and 
withal a man, utterly unpretending, of sound judg- 
ment and of much firmness in his course. He is a 
democrat, though from a decided whig county. We 
have no recollection of hearing him address the 
House during the session ; but this constituted him 
not the less worthy of respect, and we take great 

3 



22 31 R . C A I N . 

pleasure in saying that in several of his votes, on im- 
portant questions, he differed from a majority of his 
political friends. This was the first session, we be- 
lieve, that Mr. Caffey has taken a seat in the legisla- 
ture. There was nothing very prominent in his 
character, only that he was a good specimen of a 
quiet planter. 



Mr. CAIN, (Of Walker,) 

Belongs to that unassuming order of gentlemen — 
content to introduce their local business, and vote 
silently on questions as they arise — so that we have 
few materials with which to draw a picture. Men 
like him are to be seen by hundreds, at most public 
places in our State, none of whom would be suspect- 
ed of peculiar fitness to legislate on questions of 
political economy, or indeed on any subject beyond 
the extension of the time for a tax collector to make 
his returns, or the exemption of certain persons from 
patrol duty. We have reason to think Mr. Cain has 
no ambition to figure in public life, and that he 
merely accepts the honor which his constituents have 
to bestow on some person among them, because he 
can probably render them as much service, as he is 
no doubt as trust-worthy, as any they could select. 
He is a whig in politics and a planter by occupation. 
His seat was rarely vacant dming the business hours 
of the House. 



MR. CALHOUN. 23 

Mr. CALHOUN, (Of Dallas,) 

Is a character difficult to resolve. His every move- 
ment speaks mystery, and there is no basis in his 
principles or actions, politically, on which you may 
reasonably calculate the next step. He possesses 
talent and shrewdness of no ordinary kind ; but as 
to system or any fixed line of policy, he makes him- 
self a stranger. There is a sleepless ingenuity per- 
vading his motions, that renders him an object of 
terror in all matters, great or small, in which any 
interest is manifested by the House. Look in any 
part of the hall five minutes together, and there will 
Mr. Calhoun be seen, watching every indication so 
as to make a descent on some body, or what is often 
the case and more to be feared, on some local 
measure, involving no principle, and doing neither 
good nor harm, but on which is suspended the 
political breath of some unobtrusive member. 
When the question is about to be taken, Mr. Cal- 
houn's well known voice is heard in some quarter of 
the hall, often at the edge of the area, in which he 
is fond of exercising and keeping the run of business, 
assigning some objection, or some difficulty, which 
requires the supervision of a committee. To con- 
tend with him is but increasing the danger. He has 
a thousand expedients to kill or delay a proposition, 
or to embarrass any member against whom he takes 
a fancy. If he admits of any definition at all, Mr. 
Calhoun may be styled a conservative, except on 
the subject of fees and salaries to public officers. 



24 MR. CALHOUN. 

There he is extreme ; he appears to be willing that 
men should serve the State for nothing and find 
themselves. This principle of economy was well 
illustrated in his motion to purchase chairs for the 
executive office, that should not cost exceeding one 
dollar each ! 

In other respects, Mr. Calhoun was not less re- 
markable. There was so much apparent design in 
all his little evolutions, even of a social and careless 
nature, with members in the hall, that it was hazard- 
ous to open too freely in his presence, lest the sug- 
gestion would be turned to their disadvantage. 
Still, we have no right to say, nor|do we believe, 
that there was any thing sinister or disingenuous in 
Mr. Calhoun ; for really he seemed to labor diligent- 
ly for the public good, and was often of great service 
in pointing out evils which bid fair to escape the 
sagacity of others. But with all his fine common 
sense, and thorough conviction that he had no supe- 
rior on the floor, he suffered his anxiety to mould 
every thing in his own way, to become an impedi- 
ment to the business of the House. There were 
certain professions, particularly of law and medicine, 
to which he was extremely hostile. No indignity 
was too pointed for these pursuits, though he was 
reminded that he had been, and still had the privi- 
lege of, a practicing lawyer himself. 

For a man of his reputation and talents, Mr. Cal- 
houn is deficient in dignity of address. His name 
naturally associates something that is elevated and 
commanding, which is looked for in vain upon his 
exterior. He reminds the spectator of a candidate 



MR. CAMPBELL. 25 

before his people, drilling doubtful voters the morn- 
ing of an election, when the least suspicion of gen- 
tility would subject him to defeat. There are very 
few men but what have defects ; and if Mr. Calhoun 
is no exception, we ask that our frankness in point- 
ing them out may not be construed into any preju- 
dice on our part against him. We have none what- 
ever, and we presume that a majority of his fellow 
members will sanction the fidelity of the sketch here 
given. Mr. Calhoun was by no means a favorite in 
the House, and he will long be remembered, not 
only for his abilities, but for the disposition he con- 
stantly manifested to control or thwart the business 
of others. All this was no doubt owing to an honest 
zeal for the public interests, which was occasionally 
misunderstood. Mr. Calhoun is the nephew of the 
distinguished Carolina senator, and has a responsibil- 
ity of character to sustain on account of that relation, 
which seems to give him very little concern. He is 
an independent planter, and has the looks of a man 
thirty-eight or forty years of age. 



Mr. CAMPBELL, (of Mobile,) 

Is generally considered a man of the clearest and 
most vigorous intellect in the House of Representa- 
tives. He was a member six years ago, and had 
great influence in maturing the relief law, at the 
3* 



26 MR. CAMPBELL. 

called session of 1837. Indeed, the adoption of that 
measure is said to have been owing, almost entirely, 
to his arguments for its necessity. As he rarely deals 
in generalities, when he has a point to accomplish, 
he on that occasion took up the productions of the 
state, compared with the indebtedness of the peo- 
ple ; and proved beyond any reasonable doubt, that 
an extension of bank debts, and a fresh loan of five 
millions for circulation, would enable the industry of 
the people to cancel all their embarrassments by the 
time the loans became due. This was a mode of 
stating the question, which no experience, at that 
time, could gainsay, and the proposition of relief, in 
its broadest form, ripened into a statute. Whatever 
miscalculation or error may have existed as to the 
principle, no one has ever suspected the perfect sin- 
cerity of Mr. Campbell in the part he acted. He 
was governed by a spirit desiring only the public 
good, and perhaps he is as ready now to admit that 
the plan was unsuited to the emergency, as its strong- 
est opponent at the called session. In those days 
there prevailed a public delirium on monetary affairs. 
All heads had run wild with adventure, and all 
minds were intent upon the remedy of expansion. 
What the result has been, every man's experience 
is the most conclusive testimony. 

We have adverted to this chapter in the public 
life of Mr. Campbell, not for the purpose of judg- 
ment, but merely in illustration of that peculiar and 
convincing power of argument with which he is em- 
inently gifted. At the late session, Mr. Campbell, 
as chairman of the bank committee, was looked to 



MR. CAMPBELL. 27 

for that platform in relation to the currency, and the 
engagements of the State, which his superior infor- 
mation on that subject, and his known habits of 
labor, so well qualified him to present. A mass of 
documents, unprecedented for variety and extent in 
the legislature, which required close investigation and 
much time to reduce into system, was referred to the 
committee. On all these, Mr. Campbell bestowed 
the most searching examination, and made a report 
not less able than it was comprehensive and satis- 
factory. The entire action of the House was direct- 
ed, in the main, though not in exact detail, by the 
suggestions of that paper, and the bills which ac- 
companied it. The foundation having been thus 
laid, a superstructure was afterwards raised, not in 
every respect suitable to Mr. Campbell's taste, 
though he submitted, after a hard and Aaliant con- 
test, with manly deference to overpowering num- 
bers. 

Our position as reporter in the House, enabled us 
to record much of the transactions of that body, and 
also to make our readers acquainted with its busi- 
ness men. Among these Mr. Campbell stood fore- 
most. On some occasions his masterly powers were 
exhibited with a cogency of argument, which if it 
did not command assent, was at least unanswered. 
His strong efforts, and he seldom makes any other, 
were listened to with a depth of attention which 
was accorded to very few speakers in the House. 
To the character of a statesman and political finan- 
cier, Mr. Campbell unites the brightest honors of 



28 MR. CAMPBELL. 

the law. In the Supreme Court, if he is not with- 
out a rival, he is at least without a superior. 

For a man of his talents, reputation, and general 
advantages, Mr. Campbell is singularly inattentive 
to his personal appearance, and to those common 
social blandishments which are valued not the less 
in public than in private life. He is cold, taciturn, 
reserved ; not the least symptom in his manners that 
he wants society — absorbed in thought, with heavy 
brow, yet unassuming expression of countenance. 
At times he is pleasant, and always respectful when 
it becomes necessary for him to converse. He is 
said by some of his political opponents to be an art- 
ful man, in his own way ; that he can drill his party 
and arrange the order of action with much skill. 
We have no authority to deny this charge, other than 
to state, if it be true, the usual mode of judging men, 
fails in relation to Mr. Campbell. There is a total 
absence of all art in his looks and movements — 
though some writer has said that it is the consum- 
mate office of art to conceal art, and thereby make 
it the more successful. He seems to hold all ele- 
gance and imagination in utter contempt, as unwor- 
thy a practical man. As a member of the demo- 
cratic party, he stands alone in Alabama, for great- 
ness of conception, in all that relates to our political 
system. We do not say that he has never fallen 
into errors of opinion ; we cannot ascribe to him 
infallibility ; but as an honest man, in the most ex- 
tensive signification of the term, Mr. Campbell en- 
joys universal respect and confidence. He is a na- 



MR. CLAY. 29 

tive of Georgia, and son of the late Col. Duncan G. 
Campbell, a distinguished citizen of that State. Mr. 
J. A. Campbell is, probably, thirty-eight years of age. 



Mr. CLAY, (of Madison,) 

Is the most youthful member of the House, and com- 
bines as much poetic chivalry in his nature as can be 
used to advantage. Early in the session he introduc- 
ed his preamble and resolutions for remitting the fine 
imposed by Judge Hall on Gen. Jackson, and sup- 
ported them by a handsome and well received 
speech. He occasionally qddressed the House on 
other subjects, was at times eloquent, and always 
interesting. There was a gaudiness and originality 
in his style, amounting almost to romantic elabora- 
tion. He possessed humor, tact and self-command — 
was felicitous at repartee, and inexorable in his party 
feelings. His deportment was affable, and in all re- 
spects that of the high toned gentleman. Being his 
first session in the Capitol, and deferring, as became 
his modesty, to his seniors in legislation, Mr. Clay 
exhibited no impatience to become a talking, or in 
other words, troublesome member ; relying no doubt 
upon the safety and success to be gained from expe- 
rience. His constitution is delicate, and will always, 
we apprehend, forbid the exercise of as much energy 



30 MR. COCHRAN. 

and labor at the bar, or in public life, as constituted 
a leading trait in the character of his father, Gov. 
Clav. 



Mr. COCHRAN, (of Benton,) 

Is not a very choice subject for description. He has 
no strong points of character to arrest the attention 
of any man ; not that he is deficient in ability, or in 
the graces of speech. In both respects, he has no- 
thing to complain, nor his friends any cause to blush. 
The defect we shall notice in Mr. Cochran, will 
appear to many no bleinjsh at all, but, on the con- 
trary, an absolute recommendation. He is too 
smooth and fluent of speech. His language is in 
good taste — his voice pleasant, and his arguments 
respectable ; but still there is a tameness and suc- 
cession of thoughts so perfectly off-hand, that they 
seem to have been digested by the lips. Yet this 
readiness was only apparent ; for we remember that 
on one occasion he took the floor, and launched out 
into a general defence of the 16th section law, on a 
motion to lay on the table, and was several times 
called to order by the Speaker, when he promised 
to keep within the rule. No sooner did he start 
again, than he marched up to the same point ; and 
this he did several times, after being called to order 
by the chair. Finally, he took his seat abruptly, 



MR. COOPER. 31 

and in a few clays afterwards, when the whole ques- 
tion was open, he traveled over the same ground, 
made the same points, and concluded what he had 
evidently prepared for the former occasion. We 
mention this circumstance to exonerate Mr. Cochran 
from the suspicion conveyed by the charge of off- 
handedness, that he does not consider and arrange 
his subjects previous to entertaining the House with 
them. Mr. Cochran has many personal friends be- 
sides his democratic brethren. He is a lawyer of 
good practice, in the prime of life, and of considera- 
ble popularity. 



Mr. COOPER, (of Cherokee,) 

Is such a case for a limner, that very little skill is 
required to give his outlines. Of sanguine tempera- 
ment, and much native talent, he pursues his course 
with a strong hand, and never relinquishes his object 
until he gains it, or is conquered by a force which it 
would be madness to resist. In his political skir- 
mishes in the House, he is game to the core ; and 
whoever encounters him on subjects that relate to 
the humbler classes, works hard for victory, or is 
smothered in the impetuous appeals of the member 
from Cherokee, to the sympathies of the House, in 
behalf of the objects for whose benefit he seeks pro- 



32 MR. COOPER. 

vision at their hands. There is no counterfeit good- 
ness of heart in Mr. Cooper. He has, himself, 
known adversity, and he wields a man's arm for those 
among whom his lot is cast. Towards them he feels as 
a neighbor ; and such was the painful anxiety and 
disappointment he suffered when his resolutions, 
procuring the two per cent, fund to be converted 
into Alabama money at the Land Offices in this 
State, to enable settlers on the public lands to enter 
their homes in that currency, had been defeated by 
an unpopular substitute, that he obtained a re-con- 
sideration of the vote, got rid of the substitute, and 
by a warm and pathetic description of the distress 
that would follow to the poor settlers if they lost 
their homes, had his resolutions adopted, and they 
are now a law of the land. This was not the only 
instance in which he battled for the poor. He was 
uniformly on their side — a thing so common by pro- 
fession among members, that we should not have no- 
ticed Mr. Cooper's efforts for them, did we not have 
the most perfect confidence -in his sincerity. 

The fault of Mr. Cooper was his rather frequent 
and long-winded harangues, sometimes about every 
thing in general, and at other times, nothing in par- 
ticular. His reading was more liberal than his 
scholarship w r as refined ; and he seemed to care 
very little for his diction, so it conveyed his thoughts. 
The figure of Mr. Cooper is that of a well-fed alder- 
man, or laughing philosopher. He is not actually as 
broad as he is long, but the difference only equal to 
the late high exchanges on the North — fifty per 



MR. CROWDE R. — M R. CUNNINGHAM. 33 

cent. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Bar of excel- 
lent standing and business. His age, perhaps, is 
thirty-five. 



Mr. CROWDER, (Of Pike,) 

Is a plain member, and never cost the public treasu- 
ry ten minutes expense during the session. He pre- 
sented what petitions were confided to his care, and 
introduced a bill or two in relation to his county. — 
His appearance indicated good sense, unaided or un- 
injured by the trash of books. In his votes he prov- 
ed his attachment to the whig party, on whose prin- 
ciples he was elected to a seat on the floor. Of 
course, we have no facts with which to extend the 
picture. 



Mr. CUNNINGHAM, (Of Monroe,) 

In consequence of the indisposition of his family, ob- 
tained leave of absence before the most exciting 
measures were acted upon in the House, and before 
we could acquire such a knowledge of him as to war- 

4 



34 MR. DEAR. 

rant us in presenting his public character. He is a 
highly intelligent physician; a warm whig, and a 
gentleman of easy personal address. 



Mr. DEAR, (Of Wilcox,) 

Proved himself an industrious member, and on seve- 
ral occasions submitted his views to the House. His 
first effort made it necessary to refer to a number of 
legal authorities in support of a proposition he had 
introduced in relation to land titles ; and from the 
facility and closeness with which he argued the ques- 
tion, he convinced the House that he was no stran- 
ger to the books of his profession, or the mode of es- 
tablishing his premises. His delivery was calm and 
distinct; and the opinion generally prevailed that 
such was his uniform manner of speaking, until he 
replied to Mr. Moore, of Madison, on the bill to wind 
up one of the Branch Banks. He then fell into a 
most inordinate pulpit tone of voice, and entirely 
lost command of his forensic style, which is much 
better adapted to legislative discussion. Our object 
in glancing at this peculiarity, is to be of service to 
a gentleman of the excellent qualities of Mr. Dear, 
both of head and heart, by reminding him of it. His 
capacity and emulation will supply the defect. As 
a member of the House, he was much esteemed; 
and every reason is afforded for the belief that, if 



MR. DORTCH. 35 

Mr. Dear should dedicate his talents to the public 
service, he would soon become extensively and fa- 
vorably known to the people of the State. His per- 
sonal appearance is in his favor, and from it we should 
infer that he was about thirty years of age. Mr. 
Dear is a whig. 



Mr. DORTCH, (Of Sumter,) 

Is a young member, and much esteemed in the 
House. His remarks were by no means trouble- 
some by their frequency ; yet he did, sometimes say 
a word or two, which were always to the point. His 
health, part of the time, forbade his attendance in 
his seat ; but otherwise, he was punctual and atten- 
tive to his public duties. The young members were 
particularly attached to Mr. Dortch for his social and 
generous qualities. Some of the public letter-writ- 
ers from the capitol, accused Mr. D. with being one 
of the gallant bloods of the House, who received an 
enviable share of the smiles of the fair spectators in 
the gallery. It only remains for us to say that he 
is a physician, and a democrat. 



36 MR. DOUGLASS, 

Mr. DOUGLASS, (Of Lauderdale,) 

Has been for many years an occupant of ^, seat on 
the floor. He has no diffidence in uttering his mind 
to the House on whatever subject he pleases ; and, 
although far from commanding attention, he exacts it 
as a matter of right, and defies the loudest calls for 
the question to cut off his privilege of speaking as long 
as it suits his fancy. We have seen the House in a 
perfect uproar of impatience as Mr. Douglass would 
rise, and coolly remark to gentlemen that they gain- 
ed nothing by their efforts to put him down — for talk 
he would. He never failed to sustain his word in 
that particular, and not only set forth his opinions at 
length, but took ample revenge by holding on after 
he had discharged the last shot in the locker of his 
argument. Mr. Douglass is a great hand on motions, 
particularly those of reference, and to a day beyond 
the session. The previous question is something of 
a favorite with him. In regard to the communica- 
tions of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, which 
made their appearance almost every day, Mr. Doug- 
lass was the standing organ, which sent them, by mo- 
tion, to the committee on accounts. 

Mr. Douglass was a fine specimen of mountain de- 
mocracy : he showed no quarters to his opponents, 
whenever the welfare or the principles of his party 
required aid. Armed with some experience of the 
rules of the House, he turns it to the best account in 
his power, for the destruction of his political enemies, 
who seem to be so undeserving in his sight, that their 



MR.DUBOSE. 37 

very existence annoys him. Yet, with all his preju- 
dices, Mr. Douglass is a gentleman of upright and cor- 
dial demeanor, and withal, an intelligent planter. 
His age must be a little over fifty. 



Mr. DUBOSE, (Of Clarke,) 

Was not a talking member. He was generally oc- 
cupied at his desk in writing, though not at the head 
of any committee, nor was he forward in the intro- 
duction of bills, amendments or motions of any kind. 
From his appearance, and especially from the neat- 
ness with which he seemed to handle his writing 
materials, and fold up letters and documents, we took 
him to be a man of business — perhaps a merchant, 
clerk, or sheriff, in time past. On this subject, how- 
ever, we never heard a remark ; nor in fact, (such 
was the inoffensive and retiring course of Mr. DuB.) 
did we hear his name mentioned during the session, 
except when it was called by the clerk in the regu- 
lar business of the House. No instance occurs to 
our memory, of his having addressed the House. — 
Though he afforded no opportunity for others to 
judge of his talents or gifts of speech, still there was 
daily evidence, by his votes, that he adhered, with 
leech-like tenacity to the democratic portion of the 
House. 

4# 



38 MR, DUNKLIN. 

Mr. DUNKLIN, (Of Lowndes,) 

Took no part in the discussions of the House, and 
manifested no uneasiness that unless his name was 
gazetted as a debater, he should lose the favor of 
his constituents. He was content to vote aye or no 
on questions as they were announced by the Speak- 
er, and beyond that exhibition of vocality, we have 
no knowledge that he adventured in the Heuse, ex- 
cept on the introduction of a few local bills and peti- 
tions. So far as we could form an opinion, it was fa- 
forable to the intelligence and courtesy of Mr. Dunk- 
lin. It was the first time he had taken a seat in the 
Legislature, and, as was to be expected of young 
members and young men, he permitted his seniors 
to perform the manual and intellectual work of legis- 
lation, only reserving to himself the right to say 
whether he approved or disapproved it. There is 
no cause, within our knowledge, why, after addition- 
al experience, Mr. D. may not occupy a more active 
and notable position as a law-maker. Certain it is, 
that he is quite an agreeable gentleman. 



MR. DUNN. 39 

Mr. DUNN, (Of Mobile,) 

Justly ranks among the most efficient members of 
the House. Several weeks of the session had pass- 
ed before he attempted to discuss any measure with 
seeming effort ; though none could be at a loss to 
perceive, from the remarks he occasionally made on 
the floor, that he had the capacity and the spirit to 
sustain himself on any question likely to arise. — 
When the trial of his strength came, Mr. Dunn, at 
once, established a reputation in debate, which would 
do honor to any deliberative assembly ; and of which 
the most ambitious intellect might be proud. What 
distinguished him most, was the breadth and scope 
of the general principles he laid down, and the easy 
deductions he made from them to establish his points. 
His style of argumentation, as well as delivery, was 
like a majestic river — swollen by the flood, which 
swept every thing before it. There was an energy 
and compactness in his mode of treating a question, 
and withal, an enunciation so distinct — a manner so 
bold, that to listen to him was to be convinced and 
delighted : not, that there was perfect grace or har- 
mony in the speaker, though he possessed both es- 
sentials in a very high degree — not, that he dazzled 
by any burst of eloquence, at once impassioned and 
resistless ; but the chief merit of Mr. Dunn, in dis- 
cussion, was a broad and solid ground-work, on which 
he exhibited the advantages or defects of any mea- 
sure he took in hand. 

We have spoken of the unusual amount of talent 



40 MR. DUNN. 

in the House of Representatives, at the late session, 
and it is only just to say that, of the members to 
whom special allusion was made in the compliment, 
Mr. Dunn stood in the front rank. His oratory was 
destitute of all cant, which too often disfigures pub- 
lic men. There was no evasion or sophistry in his 
efforts : he grappled the question with a manly bold- 
ness, and never abandoned it, until he had left his 
adversary nothing on which to build even a plausible 
argument. Aside from his great intellectual power, 
Mr. Dunn excelled in the requisites of a good de- 
claimer. His action was expressive — his voice full 
and penetrating — his language copious and select. 
Without underrating the merits of any gentleman 
on the floor, we feel no hesitancy in saying, that Mr. 
D. united in himself very high qualities of a success- 
ful public speaker. This was the first session of his 
membership of the Legislature, and he took elevated 
ground. His very great success at the bar, had given 
him a reputation which nothing but superior abili- 
ties could have sustained in the councils of the State. 
All his efforts counted to his advantage. In the Su- 
preme Court, he is regarded as a sound lawyer — one 
to whose opinions very great deference is paid. 

In politics, Mr. Dunn is a staunch whig ; and as to 
his age, in relation to which some curiosity may be 
felt, we have no right to express an opinion, as he 
is a single gentleman. His person is tall, and as for 
the length of his arms, those levers of eloquence, Mr. 
Clay or Mr. Preston cannot boast of superior gifts in 
that particular. 



MR. EARLE. — MR. ENGLISH. 41 

Mr. EARLE, (Of Jefferson,) 

Had previously served in the House, and was re- 
garded as a very intelligent member. What we 
gathered from occasional remarks on the floor, when 
Mr. Earle thought proper to occupy it, was decided- 
ly in his favor. His trespasses on the attention of 
the House never extended beyond giving his rea- 
sons briefly, and such suggestions as would facili- 
tate the business he had introduced. There was a 
smoothness in his language and delivery, which, join- 
ed with his fine general information, qualified him 
for a higher position in debate than he ever sought. 
He was diligent in his attendance in the House, and 
usually preferred sitting near the reporter's table, 
from which he would retire to his proper seat to give 
his votes, under a standing rule. Mr. Earle is a whig, 
but was elected by a democratic constituency, on 
account of the superior confidence they had in him as 
a man. He is a physician, and, apparently, about 
forty-three years of age. 



Mr. ENGLISH, (Of Limestone,) 

Though quite a young man, was a member of the 
House three years ago. His appearance spoke a 
good deal for him, probably more than his words. 



42 MR. ENGLISH. 

Among the expanded foreheads and open counten- 
ances in the House, the eye of the spectator would 
rest on Mr. English for his bounties in this respect. 
No very severe judgment should be pronounced on 
this gentleman for not exhibiting abilities equal to 
the prepossessions of the beholder, as he has not yet 
overcome the natural diffidence of youth, or trained 
himself to those modes of thought and of action 
which are necessary to success in public bodies. 
Besides, his democracy is rather too hide-bound to 
captivate minds of a more liberal character. If it 
be a peculiar merit to glory in circumstances because 
they exist, regardless of the why or the wherefore, 
then does Mr. English maintain a lofty position in all 
that relates to the mountain politics of Alabama. But 
we are not disposed to color the portrait to the life, 
as it would be as flush, politically, as Mr. English is 
cordial and engaging in all his social relations. 

As a debater, Mr. English, though not wholly 
without aspirations and courage, did not secure a 
place among the champions of the House. He ven- 
tured at times to submit specimens of humor ; but 
as they were not fully appreciated, he turned his 
stores on Mr. Garland, of Franklin, in a passage at 
arms they had in some discussion, and gave him the 
entire benefit of his propensity. Mr. English is a 
lawyer by profession, and a gentleman of fine per- 
sonal character. 



MR. ERWIN, OF MOBILE. 43 

Mr. ERWIN, (Of Mobile,) 

Has acquired a prominent rank in the legislature, as 
well on account of his long experience in the House, 
as the solid order of talents he possesses. Very few 
members are more respected for integrity and sound 
judgment; none we are sure are entitled to a place 
before him in this point of view. He has the useful 
and, to some extent, rare faculty of stripping a ques- 
tion of false issues and deceptive colors. After other 
gentlemen have exhausted their parliamentary re- 
sources in a discussion, Mr. Erwin is apt to spring a 
new reason for or against the measure, which is so 
just that the wonder is why it escaped the attention 
of others. His fine common sense is often decisive 
of a proposition ; and to Mr. Erwin belongs the 
pre-eminence, when his efforts partake of deep 
earnestness, of controlling the action of members 
from the faith reposed in his opinions and candor as a 
man. 

After the presentation of these traits of Mr. Erwin's 
character, little remains to be said, which would not 
naturally occur to the reader. He is a man of be- 
nevolent feelings — espouses with a pure and honest 
sympathy the side of the unfortunate, where he is 
satisfied they are guiltless ; and he is not ashamed, 
as public men often are, to exhibit the woes of the 
broken hearted, and to extend relief within the 
competence of the legislature. 

As to mere oratory, so far as it depends on elocu- 
tion and gesture, Mr. Erwin seems to have given 



14 MR. FINLE Y. 

himself to a different line. His voice is of moderate 
power, and lacks pure vocality, as if the olfactory 
organs had been too well supplied with snuff. But 
for the sterling value of his sentiments and charac- 
ter, and with no claim to public favor, except the 
brilliancy of declamation, Mr. Erwin would not have 
occupied the enviable ground we have sketched. 
He has been so long before the public eye, and his 
political opinions so openly avowed and bravely 
maintained, that it is almost needless to designate 
him as a whig. Mr. Erwin is a lawyer in fine prac- 
tice, and is perhaps forty years of age. 



Mr. FINLEY, (Of Jackson,) 

Is a merchant, and a man of excellent sense. Occa- 
sionally he offered important amendments to bills, 
and supported them with brief and intelligent sug- 
gestions. Upon an average, he stood very fair with 
his fellow members of both parties. It would be 
rather daring on our part to presume that any man, 
woman or child who ever read an Alabama newspa- 
per, would not at once settle the politics of Mr. Fin- 
ley, when it has been declared to the world, in every 
form of publicity, that the county he represents, 
gave, in the presidential election, of 1840, only 
2,140 votes for Mr. Van Buren, and the unexampled 
support of fifty-seven votes to Gen. Harrison ! The 



MR. FLETCHER. 45 

county of Jackson contained the great democratic 
avalanche that has rolled over and crushed the polit- 
ical existence of South Alabama, as threatened by 
a distinguished gentleman from Lawrence, at the 
session of 1840-41. 



Mr. FLETCHER, (Of Marshall,) 

Had a wild look in the House, as if he constantly 
expected some question would be put on him before 
he understood it, or could make up his mind to vote. 
He sat in a remote corner of the hall, as if to hide his 
perplexities ; and was never heard, except when the 
stentorian lungs of the clerk sounded his name from 
the roll, when he responded as became a courteous 
member who desired to sustain the Speaker, not 
only on points of order, but in his very votes ! Of 
the five hundred times, more or less, that the yeas 
and nays were recorded during the session, it is 
quite probable that Mr. Fletcher's votes correspond- 
ed four hundred and ninety-nine times with those of 
the Speaker. We merely mention this coincidence 
not to disparage in the least, the member from Mar- 
shall, but to show the affinity between politicians in 
State matters. As Mr. Fletcher neither seeks nor 
expects notoriety, but is in every respect a plain, 
unpretending gentleman, we shall omit his personal 
appearance as a subject, however curious, which 
5 



46 MR. FOWLE R. 

could throw no new light on the sciences to which 
Lavater and Spurzheim dedicated their genius. 

But there was a most praise-worthy trait in Mr. 
Fletcher, which it would be unjust to him to with- 
hold. He was always in his seat, day or night, with 
scarcely a moment's intermission, during the sittings 
of the House, as if he believed it an indictable offence 
not to answer to his name when called. There 
were several gentlemen, both whigs and democrats, 
who did not, unfortunately, labor under the same 
impression with respect to themselves and the crim- 
inal law. 

Mr. Fletcher is a planter and a democrat. 



Mr. FOWLER, (Of Blount,) 

Was one of the half dozen members that we could 
never distinguish or recollect. The most that we 
know of him was by his votes, which showed him to 
be in democratic company. He is said to be a 
planter. 



MR. GAMBLE. MR. GARDNER. 47 

Mr. GAMBLE, (Of Henry,) 

Belonged to the number just alluded to, who escaped 
our knowledge. We came very near finding him 
out, and would probably have succeeded, had he 
not left a few weeks before the session closed. 
Among a hundred men, voting one after another in 
rapid succession, in every part of the hall, it is diffi- 
cult to ascertain them individually in that mode. 
This is the case with silent voters only; business 
members are soon known to the Reporter. 

Mr. Gamble is likewise a planter and a democrat. 



Mr. GARDNER, (Of Pickens,) 

Was in ill health at the beginning of the session, 
though he was punctually in his seat, even in weath- 
er which rendered exposure dangerous to him, until 
he obtained leave of absence about the last of De- 
cember, to visit his family. The next intelligence 
was his death on the 12th of January. His colleague, 
Mr. Williams, announced the mournful event in the 
House, on the 16th, and passed a feeling eulogy on 
the virtues and character of the deceased. After 
which, the usual testimony of respect was voted, and 
the House adjourned without doing business that 
day. 



48 MR. GARLAND. 

Mr. Gardner was an intelligent planter, upright in 
all his relations, and commanded the esteem of his 
fellow members, as well as his acquaintances gene- 
rally. He was a whig, and was in the forty-seventh 
year of his age, at the time of his death. 



MR. GARLAND, (Of Franklin,) 

Had peculiarities which rendered him quite a sub- 
ject. His great hobby was a stay law, and he did 
and said all in his power to convince the House of 
the necessity and justice of that measure, without 
success. As customary when he took the floor, he 
leant over, with his elbows resting on his desk, and 
conversed to the House with all the flippancy and 
quietness as if he had been in a private circle of 
friends. At times he would perpetrate a witticism 
that caused laughter ; and he became so bold that 
he occasionally shook his quiver and sped an arrow 
at some gentleman who had crossed his path, though 
in most cases without game. Mr. Garland had an 
original and singular turn of mind; — was full of 
pleasantry; told anecdotes without number, and 
could pour forth any quantity, as well as all sorts of 
songs. We are at a loss what else to add to Mr. 
Garland's portrait, except to place in the back- 
ground the road to Congress, which he came very 
near traveling from Tennessee, several years ago; 



MR. GASQUE. 49 

a pill box, to represent his profession as doctor, and a 
hickory tree, denoting his reverence for the Hermit- 
age, and his love of democracy. He is of small 
stature and jolly expression. As to age, he is some- 
where between thirty and fifty. 



Mr. GASQUE, (Of Baldwin,) 

Displayed no qualities which would render his politi- 
cal likeness interesting to the public. He appeared 
to be a very neat and fashionable member, whose 
chief employment was to stand by and look over the 
shoulders of the Secretary of the Senate, while he 
read his messages to the House, to see that nothing 
was omitted which was in the communication. If 
this habit was of any practical advantage to the 
business of the House, or any evidence of superior 
qualifications on the part of the member from Bald- 
win, we had no means of ascertaining, as the House 
adjourned sine die without expressing its sense on the 
subject. No doubt Mr. Gasque was intelligent 
enough to have made a figure among the law-makers 
of the State ; but as it was his first session, he de- 
ferred submitting his proofs. He is a planter and a 
democrat, scarcely in the prime of life. 



50 MR. GRESHAM. 

Mr. GRESHAM, (Of Tallapoosa,) 

In the course of the session, was promoted to the 
bench of the county court, and thereupon vacated his 
seat in the House. He was a quiet and sensible 
member ; had a good deal to say on the floor, in so 
low a voice that none but his closest neighbors could 
hear him, and from the fragments which occasionally 
reached the ear of the Reporter, Mr. Gresham must 
have been a great stickler for the constitution, as he 
generally spoke with his finger on it, in Aikin's 
Digest, and pronounced the measure under conside- 
ration to be at war with the letter, if not the spirit, of 
that instrument. With general topics, Mr. Gresham 
had very little to do ; he was content to see that the 
political compact was not violated, and as for inferior 
matters they might take their own course. But we 
saw enough of Mr. Gresham to know that he was a 
very close observer, and that his mind kept up with 
the action of the House, so that he was under no 
necessity of having the question stated by the chair 
for his particular benefit. His prevailing passion was 
for the reference of bills of doubtful expediency, to 
some committee, either standing or select. There 
was such a lack of animation in Mr. Gresham, which, 
added to his inclining his head to one side in debate, 
gave a person the idea that he was practising in 
undertones of voice, preparatory to his bursting out 
in full on any question. He was highly respected, 
even by his political opponents, the democrats, who 
assisted in electing him Judge over his opponent, 



MR. GRIFFIN. 51 

who belonged to their own party. He is altogether 
a self-made lawyer, and self-educated, though he 
is young enough to increase his efficiency a good 
deal. 



Mr. GRIFFIN, (Of Marshall,) 

Though not calculated by his figure or countenance 
to impress others with the idea that he had any am- 
bition beyond his per diem, was nevertheless a mem- 
ber of most vaulting aspirations. The end and scope 
of his legislative efforts appeared to be, to lay every 
bill or resolution on the table, unless it was in exact 
conformity with his preconceived opinions. His 
hostile attacks assumed no other form than to cut a 
measure down by motion to lay on the table, thus 
precluding all discussion of its merits ; and that pos- 
terity might entertain no doubt on which side he 
battled, he made it a rule to call the yeas and nays. 
We have seen leading business members, after they 
had introduced some proposition of great public in- 
terest, and which they were prepared to discuss, find 
themselves nailed to the wall by Mr. Griffin's spike 
and sledge-hammer. Many an austere look has been 
provoked in the House, by the member from Mar- 
shall, on account of his favorite process of strangula- 
tion. And we sometimes fancied that if the intel- 
lectual stature of the representative, had been as 



52 MR. HARRIS. 

brawny as his person, he would have been recog- 
nized as a fit subject for parliamentary discipline, 
while rioting in the excess of his table vocation. 

Far be it from us to conceal the fact that Mr. 
Griffin was among the first in the House, generally, 
and the last to leave it. He evinced every qualifi- 
cation to serve his constituents in the way they 
would probably have served themselves, had they 
been assembled in council; and what more could 
be required of him? Surely the law of political 
gravitation, that the agent can not be superior to his 
principal, is as binding in Marshall county as in any 
other part of the world. Mr. Griffin is a cultivator 
of the soil, and also of democracy. 



Mr. HARRIS, (Of Russell,) 

Is a plain up and down member, inclined to be talk- 
ative every where except on the floor. The art of 
legislation is not that in which he excels, though no 
marked deficiency can be laid to his charge, con- 
sidering that he prefers acting out his principles, 
instead of blowing them. Mr. Harris always had 
willing listeners in or out of the House, whenever it 
was his pleasure to talk. There was a vein of 
original humor, so perfectly artless, and so adapted 
to the occasion, running through his remarks, that he 
was at all times a welcome associate. His peculiar 



MR. HARRISON. 53 

forte as a legislator was to guard and protect, by 
adequate relief, the rights of women, especially those 
who had idle or improvident husbands, so that they 
might enjoy separate property. In all cases of this 
description, Mr. Harris was found, like a gallant 
knight, sustaining the weaker party. Of men as 
they are, not as represented in books, he had an ex- 
tensive and accurate knowledge. It required a very 
skilful hand to throw dust in his eyes on any ques- 
tion. Mr. Harris is a planter and a whig, probably 
forty-five years of age. 



Mr. HARRISON, (Of Lowndes,) 

Afforded the House no opportunity to judge of his 
talents. He confined himself entirely to his local 
business, and merely voted on other subjects, with- 
out consuming time, which he, no doubt, believed 
could be more usefully employed otherwise. This 
was his first session, and he maintained that silence 
which is better appreciated, generally, than too fre- 
quent wrangling, merely to obtain the reputation of 
a speaker. Mr. H. is a planter, and a democrat, just 
verging into the meridian of life. 



54 MR. HENDERSON. MR. HENDRIX. 

Mr. HENDERSON, (Of Butler,) 

Did as little to protract the session as any member 
in the House. From the fact that he had been Judge 
of the County Court, as well as from his very calm 
and reflecting appearance, there is no doubt he could 
have entertained members, had his taste led him in- 
to discussion. Mr. H. belongs to that useful class of 
our fellow-citizens, who till the soil, and add to the 
productive energies of the country. In politics, he 
is a democrat, though from a whig county. 



Mr. HENDRIX, (Of Cherokee,) 

Occasionally addressed the House, and was heard 
with attention, as he usually confined himself to the 
point, and took his seat when he had made it intelli- 
gible. At one time, however, when the " Cut-off" 
was the bone of contention between his county and 
Benton, Mr. H. became a little tedious, and proved 
rather an infliction, than a solace, to his brother mem- 
bers. He possessed an open and sprightly look, a 
clear voice, and seemed to keep the business of the 
House within the grasp of his attention. In politics, 
he is a thorough democrat ; he is also a planter, of 
middle age. 



MR. HENLEY. 55 

Mr. HENLEY, (Of Marengo,) 

Came into the House with a reputation for abilities, 
which required very able efforts, on his part, to sus- 
tain. He was not unfrequently on the floor, and 
sometimes betrayed no impatience to relinquish it. 
This gentleman has an imperfect delivery, which 
renders his words so indistinct, that his hearers can- 
not, at all times, enter fully into his meaning. In 
the easy conversational tones of voice, or in the ex- 
plosion of the vocal elements, after fresh inspiration, 
there is a richness and melody, which is lost at the 
very next stride. This defect appears to be organic ; 
and certainly, if it be not so, Mr. Henley has been 
very indifferent to the benefits of a pure articulation, 
not to have resorted to some system by which the 
fault could have been subdued, if not wholly re- 
lieved. 

We have referred to this peculiarity of voice, not 
to remind Mr. Henley that it exists, nor to make it 
known beyond the limits of his personal acquaint- 
ance ; but to explain why Mr. H. did not command 
that position in the House, as a debater, to which his 
talents gave him an acknowledged claim. All who 
have observed the system, energy and skill which 
he displays at the bar, and know his great success in 
that field, notwithstanding the defect of speech to 
which we have alluded, still entertain the conviction 
that a few years more in public life will gain that dis- 
tinguished level for his abilities, as a declaimer, 
which he already occupies in other respects. Mr. 



56 MR. HILL. MR. HODGES. 

H. is much esteemed for his manly qualities, and is 
a firm whig, not exceeding perhaps thirty-two years 
of age. 



Mr. HILL, (Of Bibb,) 

Maintained perfect silence, except as a voter, in the 
House, during the session. Imbued with strong par- 
ty feelings, and avoiding the perils of originating 
measures, he was content to surrender to his demo- 
cratic obligations all the powers of his mind, more or 
less, and to follow where others dared to lead. He 
was punctually in his seat, and appeared to keep his 
eye on what was passing around him. Such local 
business as he was charged with, he brought for- 
ward, and then ensconced himself behind a severe 
gravity, which repelled all liberties of consultation. 
Mr. H. is a planter, and no doubt a very estimable 
citizen. 



Mr. HODGES, (Of Pike,) 

Appears on the roll, and promptly answered to his 
name when called by the clerk ; but as to the per- 



MR. HUBBARD 



57 



sonal identity of the gentleman, we never became 
satisfied, not having seen him, at any time, on his 
legs pending a discussion, not heard any remark 
which, from the recognition of the Speaker, we could 
trace to the member from Pike. We understand he 
is a planter, and a democrat. 



Mr. HUBBARD, (Of Lawrence,) 

Assumed so many positions, and gave evidence ol 
such an original cast of mind, that we are somewhat 
at a loss respecting the garb or attitude to select* 
that will show off his political character nearest the 
living man. In the absence of any conclusive proof, 
we shall take it for granted that he is an artless 
statesman, more devoted to the public weal than his 
own ; the uncompromising enemy of a tax on white 
persons ; the advocate of universal education, espe- 
cially if it can be confined to the poor, and the cost 
defrayed by levies on property ; the defender of low 
salaries to public officers, so as to prevent the evil 
consequences of rich diet, of warm houses, and too 
many servants ; and last, though not the most infe- 
rior of his plans, the expenses of the State govern- 
ment, shall be paid by property holders, while its 
benefits are divided equally among all who are not 
blessed with the privilege of shaking hands with the 
tax-collector. If Mr. Hubbard has any other code, 

6 



58 MR. HUBBARD. 

he made very indistinct allusion to it in the House 
last winter. 

To delineate Mr. Hubbard, with accuracy, is a dif- 
ficult task. He has intellect and experience enough 
to make a good subject for the political artist ; but 
when the outlines are drawn, and the features must 
be worked in, with the proper light and shade to 
give them animation and relief, there is a mass of 
expression so admirably zigzag — so like cross-eyes, 
which look one way and see another, that we are 
almost tempted to throw down our pencil in despair. 
In decyphering character, where it is ambiguous, 
our rule is, to connect the acts, policy and general 
bearing of a man, softened by individual peculiari- 
ties, until we can perceive, in our mind's eye, a re- 
semblance of the original. Then, while the image 
is fresh, we spread on fast colors, and the drapery. 
But the more we study Mr. Hubbard, the further he 
vanishes ; sometimes, we think we have him as na- 
tural as life, and when we take our gaze off to work 
on the canvass, he dissolves into atmosphere, so that 
we can never mould him into mortal shape. In fact, 
the only impressions, too strong to be lost, we have 
at present, in regard to Mr. Hubbard, are associated 
with his voice and manner ; for his measures, except 
the white basis, were so peculiarly the offspring of 
his own pathless vagaries, that they are as hard to 
identify as his general system of legislation. 

The mode of stating a question, by Mr. Hubbard, 
produced neither obscurity nor light, in the mind of 
the hearer. It sometimes partook of a wintry day, 
overcast with clouds, with an occasional gleam of the 



NR. HUBBARD. 59 

sun ; anon, the clatter of an infuriated dame, reach- 
ing the very octave of her shrill voice, was perfect 
deliberation and music, compared to the oratory of 
Mr. Hubbard. He would then pitch forward, bent 
on some idea or illustration with which to stagger 
his adversary, or build a fabric of political economy, 
so full of acute angles and winding passages, that it 
would be nearly as inviting a task to make a diagram 
of the inquisition, as to reduce Mr. Hubbard's theo- 
ries to a practical system. Still, there was the im- 
press of a far-reaching intellect in much that he said; 
but he had the faculty of presenting his arguments 
in such rapid succession, and with such terrible ar- 
dor, that before the mind of the hearer could seize a 
position, the speaker had left him in the woods, with 
no guide but a few dim blazes chipped with the 
hatchet of " Pushmataha." 

We have completed the sketch of Mr. Hubbard, 
as best we could. Should it appear indefinite, we 
have only to say in that respect, it is an exact copy 
of the original. Closing with a historical tint, we 
may add, that Mr. H. was a good soldier under Gen. 
Jackson, and had the felicity of being wounded, like 
a brave man, at the battle of New-Orleans, in 1815, 
and subsequently, of representing Alabama in the 
Congress of the United States. The military laurels 
of Mr. Hubbard, are of twenty-eight years' growth ; 
and supposing him of lawful age when he plucked 
them, he is now close on fifty, a circumstance which 
did not prevent him from voting for the bill to reduce 
the fees on marriage license, and from manifesting 
peculiar joy at its passage. Mr. Hubbard unites the 
three-fold character of lawyer, planter, and democrat. 



60 MR. JACKSON. 



Mr. JACKSON, (Of Barbour,) 

Stands as little chance to be forgotten by his fellow- 
members, as any gentleman who had the honor of a 
seat in the House. His temperament was no less 
sanguine, than he was bold and direct in all his move- 
ments. He was a perfect counting-house and poli- 
tical register, with dates and figures at his tongue's 
end ; could tell the amount of every dividend in the 
late Bank of the United States ; who were the stock- 
holders; what years the officers changed; what 
transactions Government had with the Bank ; the 
scale of exchanges ; when they rose and fell, and how 
produced. All the minutia of passing accounts, &c. 
through the Treasury Department, as connected with 
the claims of Alabama, for indemnity in the Creek 
war of 1836-37, he related with the ease of the al- 
phabet. He had served in the office of one of the 
Auditors, many years ago, and had resided in or near 
Washington since the removal of the seat of govern- 
ment there, until he settled in this State, within the 
last few years. His memory is well stored with 
reminiscences of public men and events, which ren- 
ders him very interesting on such topics. For gene- 
ral intelligence, and accurate knowledge, in all that 
relates to commerce, to the public finances, and to 
the different systems of national policy, Mr. Jackson 
had no superior on the floor. With all these advan- 
tages, it would naturally be expected that he would 
prove a highly useful and instructive member — one, 
on account of his business qualifications and experi- 



MR. JACKSON. 61 

ence, to whom the House would look for aid on mo- 
netary questions at least. 

But, the vast stores we have described, were, in a 
measure, useless to the representative from Barbour, 
as well as to the action of the House, on account of 
the unusual violence which he exhibited on all sub- 
jects, and towards all persons that fell in his way. — 
From the first week of the session, when he impeach- 
ed Judge Booth, against whom he probably had good 
cause of objection, he ^appeared to exercise no re- 
straint over his angry feelings ; but on the contrary, 
to indulge them without stint, whenever he raised 
his voice on the floor. The speculating debtors of 
the Banks, and all, indeed, who had borrowed libe- 
rally from these State institutions, he characterized 
as " robbers and plunderers." With the reports of 
the Banks, at different periods, to the latest, he made 
himself familiar, and always kept on hand, a table, 
showing the losses on their capital. We recollect 
an instance of this kind, when the bill to place the 
Branch Bank at Huntsville in liquidation, was pend- 
ing. Mr. Jackson had asserted that the Bank had 
sunk thirty-five per cent, of its capital ; to which a 
distinguished member from Madison took very grave 
exception, and inquired of the " gentleman from 
Barbour," if he had understood his allegation cor- 
rectly. The floor being yielded, Mr. Jackson took 
up his figures, and demanded if such and such items 
were not true ; the reply was in the affirmative. He 
then proceeded with the rest, challenging contra- 
diction, until the member claimed the floor, saying, 
that the charge, startling as it was, had been appa- 

6* 



62 MR. JONES, OF CONECUH. 

rently sustained by official documents, under the 
searching calculation of the gentleman from Barbour. 

Notwithstanding the great information of Mr. J., 
and his clear and pleasant delivery, he never trusted 
himself, in an effort of any length, in discussion, with- 
out very copious notes. The most perfect uproar and 
disorder we witnessed during the whole session, was, 
while Mr. Jackson addressed the House from his 
" notes." We sympathised with that gentleman, 
because of the indecorum of members, while we, at 
the same time, thought his course not wholly free 
from objection; as the public could have had the 
benefit of his speech, without taxing the House with 
it, against its stormy protest. Such, we understand 
to be the practice in Congress. What it is in Ala- 
bama, we are under no obligation to intimate. 

Mr. Jackson has a firm and expressive physiogno- 
my, freshened by fifty winters, and a strong attach- 
ment to the whig party. He is a merchant. 



Mr. JONES, (Of Conecuh,) 

Signalized his legislative career, by the introduction 
of an unusual number of bills, to allow married wo- 
men to acquire and hold property free from the debts 
or control of their runaway husbands. We have no 
recollection of his supporting his favorite measures 
by a speech, or even by explanations. He left them 



MR. JONES, OF COVINGTON. 63 

to stand or fall on their own merits. Some prevail- 
ed, while others did not ; owing to causes, of which 
we never sought the particulars. If Mr. Jones per- 
formed any other exploits worthy of mention, we 
have only to say, they were not in the presence of 
the House. His seat was vacant just often enough, 
to signify that he placed very little confidence in the 
opinions of another member, whom we have had oc- 
casion to notice, that absence from the House, when 
any question was taken, subjected the absentee to 
penal inflictions. Selecting his own time to enter 
the hall, Mr. Jones usually marched in, when he 
condescended to come at all, with a stately tread, 
just as if he was going to subscribe for chances at a 
shooting match, which he has the perfect right to do, 
being both planter and whig, not exceeding thirty- 
five years of age. 



Mr. JONES, (Of Covington,) 

Gained most of his renown, as author of the bill to 
prevent wolf-scalps being received in payment of 
taxes in his county. It seems, a law had previously 
passed, authorizing that currency to be taken for 
county dues ; but, either from its bulk occupying too 
much room in the treasury, or its ceasing to pay for 
court-houses, jails, and bridges, Mr Jones was perhaps, 
instructed to banish it altogether from ( circulation. For 



64 MR. JONES, OF GREENE. 

this object he introduced the bill, which became a 
law, and is to be found in the pamphlet acts of 1842 
-43, p. 137. By some turn of fortune, he acquired 
the high-sounding title of Judge, though a glance at 
his person, or a word from his lips, would satisfy any 
person that the roll of the legal profession was never 
honored with his name. Mr. Jones was a friendly 
and inoffensive gentleman, with ambition enough to 
find his way to the capitol, certify his attendance and 
mileage, and settle with the treasurer on " them 
principles." He enjoys the fruits of the soil, as a 
planter and a democrat. 



Mr. JONES, (Of Greene,) 

Possessed as many qualities to recommend him to 
public favor as any gentleman in the House. His 
superior talents were confessed by all, except him- 
self; for his modesty gave a charm to those accom- 
plishments of mind and manner, which won the 
kindest regards, while it added to his influence, and 
detracted nothing from his political firmness. Mr. 
Jones was distinguished for solid and penetrating 
intellect; for a transparency of conception on all 
subjects that came before his mind ; and withal, a 
nervous brevity of argument that laid facts bare in 
the order they related to the question. There was 
a total absence of all effort at display ; no rant, no 



MR. JONES, OF GREENE. 65 

affected passion, no airy flights. Truth was pursued 
with steady aim ; all secondary objects gave way, 
and the result seldom left any thing for doubt or 
reply. In analysis, he much resembled professed 
logicians, who lay down their premises, and then, step 
by step, deduce such conclusions as cannot be gain- 
sayed. In this respect his abilities were excelled 
by no member in the House. He did not choose to 
occupy the floor often, nor at much length ; and by 
this means he always secured the profound attention 
of the House. Mr. Jones had the power of moulding 
a question into a common sense and practical shape, 
when the rhetoric of others had only confused it — 
certainly, had shed no light. 

In regard to address and elocution, there was a 
perfect consistency in Mr. Jones with his intellectual 
character. He regarded speech merely as the ve- 
hicle of thought, not as a play thing, or ornament to 
be decked out in gay trappings that proved nothing. 
His language was chaste, and rolled pleasantly from 
his lips ; but he had no other use for it than to ex- 
plain his meaning with simplicity and force ; — every 
word telling the act of the judgment. We do not 
allege that his reading of fashionable and general 
literature is restricted ; on the contrary, we have 
reason to believe he relishes such works in a high 
degree — but his mental habitudes remind us of the 
professor of mathematics who, being asked how he 
enjoyed the beauties of Milton's Paradise Lost, re- 
plied that the book did not prove any thing, therefore 
it had no beauties. Mr. Jones is a nephew of the 



66 MR. KENDRICK. 

late Governor Giles, of Virginia, and is worthy his 
eminent kinsman. 

It would be unjust, alike to the liberality of the 
one, and the merit of the other, not to allude, in this 
connexion, to the splendid compliment paid by Mr. 
McClung, of Madison, when he said on the floor, in a 
discussion involving some personal feeling, that he 
knew the heart of Mr. Jones was a laboratory of all 
that was honorable and exalted, and that he was in- 
capable of deliberately wounding an adversary, 
where no cause existed. In that sentiment we con- 
cur fully. We have only to add, that Mr. Jones is a 
lawyer of great reputation and practice, scarcely 
thirty-five years of age, and a sterling wing. 



Mr. KENDRICK, (Of Coosa,) 

Was of huge physical dimensions — tall, square built, 
and of a strength of arm, from all appearance, that 
would render his enmity little less to be dreaded 
than a thunder-bolt. On one occasion lie made a 
few remarks to the House, which were sensible, 
and well delivered. We heard of no circumstance 
showing that Mr. Kendrick availed himself of his 
superior bodily advantages to remind others of the 
fact. His attendance in his seat was regular, and 
his course quiet and respectful. We attach more 



MR. KENNEDY, OF LAUDERDALE. 67 

importance to the latter, because it has often hap- 
pened, even in deliberative bodies, that large gen- 
tlemen were overbearing. Mr. Kendrick is a plant- 
er and a democrat, of middle age. 



Mr. KENNEDY, (Of Lauderdale,) 

Is somewhat of a rising character in the House. He 
has been a member two sessions, and if he continues 
to improve the balance of his life in the ratio that he 
has progressed in legislative efficiency, he will, in a 
reasonable time, be known to the public as a gentle- 
man of sound abilities. As a speaker, he occasion- 
ally acquits himself well. His style is not admirable 
for beauty or strength, nor is it decidedly bad ; it is 
such as will pass muster, without comment, in a pub- 
lic assembly. Ardor of temperament, or soaring im- 
pulse, cannot be laid to his charge. Vigilant in all 
things relating to his section, he seems to be entirely 
satisfied if other portions of the State are overlooked 
in the dispensation of public favors. 

Mr. Kennedy was of the number who believed 
that the constitution of Alabama could be altered to 
advantage, especially in regard to annual sessions, 
and the present quota of senators and representa- 
tives. He accordingly introduced resolutions to 
amend that instrument so as to legalize biennial 
sessions of the General Assembly, and to reduce the 



68 MR. KENNEDY, OF MARION. 

Senate so as not to exceed twenty-five members, and 
the House of Representatives not to exceed seventy- 
five, which passed the House, but were lost in the 
Senate. Of the propriety of the measure we have 
nothing to say ; but in point of economy alone, if 
carried into effect, it would probably have saved 
$40,000 every second year to the Treasury, besides 
what would result each session from a decrease of 
members. Mr. Kennedy was assiduous in the dis- 
charge of his public duties, and was every inch a 
mountain democrat, just old enough to believe his 
party infallible, and plenty young for improvement, 
both as a lawyer and politician. 



Mr. KENNEDY, (Of Marion,) 

It will be seen is just midway the roll. What other 
distinction we could associate with his name, is be- 
yond our capacity to imagine. He never addressed 
the House, nor gave evidence that he intended to 
make legislation an exclusive pursuit. He voted 
when called, and betrayed no embarrassment on 
account of his democracy. 

Our feelings are too kind towards Mr. Kennedy to 
insist that he resembles Hortensius or Tully in any 
respect, unless in one for which he is not to blame — 
in personal figure. If the lineaments of statuary are 
to be relied on, however, in regard to these ancients, 



MR. KIDD. 69 

then will Mr. Kennedy be triumphantly relieved 
from all suspicion even in that behalf. He is a 
worthy planter, in the noon of life. 



Mr. KIDD, (Of Shelby,) 

Was chairman of the military committee, in virtue, 
we presume, of the commission of brigadier-general 
which he held from the State. He had not been a 
member previously, and of course the Speaker of the 
House had a very high estimate of his intelligence 
to confide to him thus early, so important a branch 
of the public service. On a few occasions he ad- 
dressed the House with considerable effect, and 
displayed some eloquence. His person is command- 
ing and his delivery fluent. From the specimens we 
heard on the floor, we have no doubt Mr. Kidd is 
destined to become a very efficient speaker. He 
has energy of feeling, which, joined with other 
requisites of oratory he possesses, will make him a 
good debater. His information is extensive, and he 
takes hold of subjects with a strong grasp, and never 
dismisses them until he has either fortified his posi- 
tion, or overthrown that of his adversary. We do 
not aim to be understood as maintaining that Mr. 
Kidd ranks among the foremost men of the House 
for abilities or the graces of speech ; but it is only 
doing him justice to say, that considering his youth 
7 



70 MR.LANKFORD. 

and want of experience in public life, he bids fair to 
occupy a very respectable rank. He is courteous in 
his deportment, though always alive to his rights as 
a gentleman and as the organ of his constituents. 
Mr. Kidd is a planter and a stern whig, about twen- 
ty-five years of age. 



Mr. LANKFORD, (Of KeKalb,) 

Was distinctly unlike any model of a professed 
statesman that either the living world, or the printed 
page ever set before us. There was no member of 
the House less suspected of a design to raze the in- 
stitutions of our happy country, by proposing to sub- 
stitute any other form or modification of government. 
Throughout the entire session, not a word escaped 
his lips that could be tortured into hostility to free- 
dom. He preserved a calm bearing that would have 
put sedition to shame, even in the days of the Em- 
mets and the Rowans. A member so perfectly 
harmless, was calculated to involve his constituents 
in no difficulty, and to produce no commotion in the 
House. Nor should we fail to mention that Mr. 
Lankford not only formed no plot or conspiracy 
against the State, but that he lives in a region blessed 
with an atmosphere so pure, and natural scenery so 
grand, he and his people may ever be relied upon to 
defend their own Switzerland from domestic or 



MR. M ARCHJB ANKS. 71 

foreign foe. If, from this outline, the reader has not 
caught a full glimpse of the member from DeKalb, 
we are willing to share the fault with the subject, 
and to say that he is a planter and democrat, scarcely 
in the zenith of life. 



Mr. MARCHBANKS, (Of Fayette,) 

Is an old member, and is quick on trigger to vote. 
When the clerk demands a response, he gets it like 
a flash of lightning. 

This fact is the most remarkable that we have to 
record in the legislative biography of the member 
from Fayette. He was too good an economist to 
waste the people's money by prolonging the session 
even five minutes on his account ; for we are per- 
suaded that during the last two or three winters, he 
has not occupied the floor that space of time, in- 
cluding the presentation of petitions. Of course he 
is entitled to gratitude for the virtue of silence. 
What remains to be said of Mr. Marchbanks is, that 
he belongs to the political majority of the House, for 
what reason is perhaps known to himself — certainly 
not to us. He is a grey headed planter, with a young 
looking, fresh face. 



72 MR. MARTIN. 

Mr. MARTIN, (Of Benton,) 

Rose gradually to something of rank in the House, 
He is a bold speaker, resolute in his purposes, and 
competent to all labors in which he ventures to take 
part. His onslaught on the political course of the 
presiding officer made him quite a figure, not only on 
the floor, but from the galleries which were crowded 
to see the fight. It was the general opinion that Mr. 
Martin sustained himself handsomely in this conflict 
with an able and experienced member, who took 
ample leisure to reply. On the question of the white 
basis, the representative from Benton showed his in- 
dependence of party trammels, by proposing and 
maintaining his substitute for the adoption of the 
federal basis in forming Congressional Districts. His 
sentiment, that the proposition of districting the 
State in elections for Congress, having regard to the 
white population only, should never have been 
agitated south of the Potomac, established his ortho- 
doxy on the subject. It has gone forth to all points 
of the compass, and will ever reflect the highest 
credit on his patriotism and judgment. History will 
no doubt refer to it, should there unhappily arise, in 
the course of our national existence, a disturbance 
which the example of Alabama, it is feared by many, 
will indirectly promote. 

Mr. Martin is in every respect calculated to make 
his way. He understands men — is eloquent and 
fearless. With these aids, surely one like himself in 
the bloom of life, has the prospect of a successful 
public career. He is a lawyer and a democrat. 



mr.m'clung. 73 

MR. McCLUNG, (Of Madison,) 

Is favorably known to the people of the State. 
Within the last twenty-four years, during which 
time he has been a practicing and successful law- 
yer in Alabama, he has represented his county 
many sessions of the legislature. He has been 
elevated to the Speaker's chair, and discharged the 
duties of that station with signal ability. In 1836, 
he supported his distinguished relative, Judge White, 
for the Presidency, in opposition to Mr. Van Buren. 
The contest of 1840 found him on neutral ground ; 
he was for neither Gen. Harrison nor his competitor, 
and alike opposed a National Bank and the Sub- 
Treasury. The next year he announced himself as 
a candidate for the office of Governor, even race, 
against Col. Fitzpatrick, the democratic State con- 
vention nominee. He was beaten by a majority 
that perhaps taught him it was better to belong to 
one of the political parties, with avowed principles, 
than to stand on solitary ground, fighting for what 
others could not see or understand, however obvious 
his policy to himself. So much for the political his- 
tory of Mr. McClung. 

As a lawyer, his standing is deservedly high ; he 
is quick in exposing the weak points of adverse 
counsel, and in combatting those of more weight. 
In the discussion which grew out of Gov. Clay's 
Digest, in the House of Representatives, he exhibited 
a dexterity in parrying thrusts and knocking over 

formidable objections, which would have done credit 

7* 



74 MR. M* CLUNG. 

to the most subtle special pleader. At times he 
mounted into the region of eloquence, and disported 
himself with handsome imagery, as well as bold argu- 
mentation. His voice is clear and sonorous ; his 
manner dignified, and his taste always that of the 
perfect gentleman. When he strikes at an adver- 
sary, it is with a keen blade — the nerves quiver and 
the victim reels, but no disgusting wound is laid bare. 
At the head of the judiciary committee, Mr. Mc Clung 
was drawn into the defence of his reports, and often 
became identified with measures for which he felt 
no solicitude, Mother than to pronounce in favor or 
against them as became his duty by the reference. 
In this way he was more frequently on the floor, and 
had a greater variety of propositions to examine, than 
any other member. We have seen him make some 
two dozen reports of a morning when committees 
were called by the chair. He was familiar with the 
rules of the House, and availed himself promptly of 
all the advantages to be derived from that source. 
When new questions of order arose, he was some- 
times consulted by the Speaker, and great respect 
was attached to his recollections of the practice. 

The political associations of Mr. McClung have 
been apparently renewed, and he acts with the ma- 
jority ; still there is an undefined something about 
him, in connexion with his late schism, which does 
not make him perfectly at home as a partizan. He 
lias an expressive countenance, manly bearing, and 
would be noticed in any crowd. His grey head 
gives him a venerable appearance, though he is per- 
haps under fifty years of age. 



mr. m'coy. 75 

Mr. McCOY, (Of Mobile,) 

Is a merchant of very superior business qualifications. 
He seldom addressed the House ; but it was gene- 
rally understood that his opinions were sought by 
gentlemen on the finance committee, to aid them in 
their labors. On the nomination, by Mr. Campbell, 
he was elected by the House, a member of the joint 
examining committee on the State Bank and Branch- 
es. The onlv time we recollect of seeing Mr. Mc- 
Coy on the floor, beyond a few suggestions, was, 
when he introduced his bill to better the currency 
of Alabama, by dividing a certain per cent, of specie 
on the circulation, and funding the balance of the 
bank issues, in State bonds bearing five per cent, in- 
terest, and payable five years after issuance. On 
that occasion, he read several letters from his Mobile 
correspondents, showing the panic in exchanges ; 
that specie had run up to 25 and 30 per cent., and 
was advancing, owing, as alledged, to the apprehen- 
sion that the Legislature would enact stay-laws, or 
throw some difficulty in the way of creditors. Mr. 
McCoy compared the shock in exchanges to a Texas 
stampede, when a company of horses took fright, and 
every one dashed off heedless of rider, rein or bit. 

The plain causes, founded on the laws of trade, 
which he assigned for these results, and the very in- 
telligent manner in which he reviewed the commer- 
cial and agricultural interests of the south-west, as 
affected by the currency, showed to the satisfaction 
of all, that Mr. McCoy ranked among the first in the 



76 mr. m'coy, 

House, for experience and knowledge in his pursuit. 
When a member inquired of Mr. McCoy, for the pur- 
pose of embarrassing him, if he had not supported 
the measures which his correspondents placed at the 
bottom of the panic, he promptly replied, that he had 
voted for the liquidation of all the Branch Banks, and 
he gloried in the act ; to him it was the proudest re- 
flection of his life ; and when his children became 
old enough to read the journal of the House, it was 
his consolation that they would see his name record- 
ed in favor of the wisest financial movement that had 
ever been made in the State. He thanked his God 
that he had lived to take part in the session ; that it 
seemed peculiarly fortunate for him, after declining 
so many previous solicitations to be a candidate, he 
had yielded at last, and now he was satisfied. 

Throughout his remarks, Mr. McCoy was animat- 
ed and graceful. His language was in good taste ; 
and the only regret felt was, that a gentleman pos- 
sessing his excellent advantages of matter, and de- 
livery, should not have taken a more frequent part 
in discussions before the House. The personal ap- 
pearance of the member from Mobile denoted great 
activity in business, as well as suavity of address. — 
No member commanded more respect as a gentle- 
man. He is a genuine whig, apparently about forty 
years of age. 



MR. m'lemore. 77 

Mr. McLEMORE, (Of Chambers,) 

Is one of those fiery and exalted spirits that attract 
admiration as well from their lustre, as from their 
tendency to banish sordid and gloomy contempla- 
tions. In his presence, whenever he is disposed to 
exhibit his own nature, there can be no mental hor- 
rors. If he has a measure or a friend to vindicate, 
his soul is in the task, and so are the powers of his 
fine intellect. Every fact must be understood — eve- 
ry signification rendered clear. It is incompatible 
with his view of things, that mystery, double enten- 
dres, or equivocation of any sort, should be adjourn- 
ed to another time. No moment better suited for an 
issue than that which brings up difficulty or suspi- 
cion. If there be danger, he invites it ; if error, 
explanation is the best remedy ; if injustice, and with 
him is the fault, his soul breathes reparation ; but if 
he is the victim, the tempest might as well be rebuk- 
ed for its desolation, with the hope of staying it, as 
to attempt to convince him of the expediency of let- 
ting it pass unredressed. This is one view of his 
character which has secured him the highest estima- 
tion, not because it is faultless, but for the reason that 
he is noble even in his errors of temperament. 

Whenever he addresses the House, Mr. McLe- 
more is sure of attention. His great forte is prompt- 
ness, wit, and sarcasm in debate. He has a peculiar 
way of saying things which cannot be described. — 
We have frequently listened to him, with admira- 
tion of his graceful figure, pleasant voice, nervous 



78 mr. m'lemore. 

language, and eloquent bursts of passion. It has oc- 
curred to our mind, that the warmth of his feelings 
is an impediment to his usefulness in the House, es- 
pecially, as one so constituted, rarely plunges into 
the dry and tedious labor of general investigation. 
In regard to Mr. McLemore, he has met ques.ions on 
the floor, when he was fully prepared with his au- 
thorities, thereby evincing that they had been care- 
fully weighed for the occasion ; but some of his hap- 
piest efforts have been wholly unpremeditated. He 
has the elements of a fine declaimer ; nature has 
been liberal in this respect, and it only requires cor- 
responding exertions on his part, tempered with a 
little more calmness, to set him in the front rank. — 
When his political principles are assailed, or when 
he discovers that the majority are legislating for them- 
selves, and not for the people at large, he is apt to 
speak his mind with a boldness and freedom, short of 
which, it seems, he cannot be satisfied. The mem- 
ber from Chambers has long occupied a seat in the 
House ; is bland and courteous in his deportment, 
and is much esteemed even by his political adversa- 
ries, for his manly bearing. We are not certain, but 
are inclined to the opinion, that Mr. McLemore be- 
longs to the profession of the law ; if he does not, he 
has talents for it of no ordinary kind. He is a whig, 
and a planter, just in the vigor of life. 



MR. M'MILLION. MR. MERRIWETHER. 79 

Mr. McMILLION, (Of Jefferson,) 

Is quite a sensible member ; and by no means trou- 
blesome on the floor. He has much experience in 
the House, and is never at a loss in regard to the 
question. Session after session he occupies a seat in 
front of the speaker, keeps his eyes on all that is pass- 
ing around him, and serves as a kind of memorandum 
book, to which his neighbors refer when they lose 
the hang of business. Mr. McMillion occasionally 
submits remarks, which are always to the point, and 
heard with attention. He is a strict party man, con- 
fiding, without limit, in democratic leaders, and has 
the good fortune to think and vote precisely as they 
do, not for the want of opinions of his own, (his very 
sound intelligence forbids such an idea,) but from the 
pure love of his political family. His vocation is said 
to be that of a teacher of youth, and from his looks, 
we should judge him to be near forty-five years of 
aae. 



Mr. MERRIWETHER, (Of Tuskaloosa,) 

Maintained perfect silence during the session, and 
thus afforded no opportunity for the House to deter- 
mine how far his legislative abilities might be antici- 
pated in his future career. In looking at Mr. M., as 



80 MR. MI REE. 

he sat demurely in his place, it occurred to us he 
was extending marked civilities to his fellow-mem- 
bers from a distance, who came to gain notoriety by 
much talking, while he refused to say a word, lest it 
might appear in the same light as the constant prat- 
tle of a man, at his own fire -side, to the great annoy- 
ance and disappointment of his guests. Whether 
such a motive really actuated the member from Tus- 
caloosa, and led to his taciturnity on the floor, or 
whether he said nothing because nothing presented 
itself to his mind worthy the consideration of the 
House, is a matter of secondary importance. Suffice 
it to say, Mr. Merriwether did as much good by his 
reserve, as one-half the members by their incessant 
talking. In that respect, his example is to be com- 
mended. He is a democrat, and planter, not exceed- 
ing thirty-eight years of age. 



Mr. MIREE, (Of Perry,) 

Had been a member several years ago. As he took 
no position in the business of the House, and appear- 
ed to be of stern and solitary habits, at least in the 
sittings, we have no materials with which to draw a 
character. There was no room to doubt, from his 
votes, that he was a true disciple of Alabama democ- 
racy ; and in paying him this compliment, we have 
exhausted our knowledge of his merits, unless we 



MR. MITCHELL. 81 

place to his credit the introduction of a bill, which 
afterwards became a law, (pamphlet, 191,) to legal- 
ize the matrimonial contract between a gentleman 
and lady who intermarried, while the latter rested 
under disability, from the fact that a divorce had 
been obtained against her in another State. This 
relief was not only essential to the happiness of the 
parties, but to the character of the innocent offspring 
of their illegal, though not culpable union. Mr. Mi- 
ree is, no doubt, much respected among his fellow- 
citizens, as he is an intelligent planter, not beyond 
middle age. 



Mr. MITCHELL, (Of Autauga,) 

Had ill-health during the session, though he was 
generally in his seat. He made no effort in discus- 
sion, and contented himself with voting, as a whig, 
on all questions that involved the principles of the 
two parties in the House. Those who knew him 
best, spoke of him as possessing fair abilities, which 
nothing but his infirm health (asthma) prevented from 
being exerted in debate. He is quite a young man, 
and a lawyer by profession. 

8 



82 MR. MOORE, OF MADISON. 

Mr. MOORE, (Of Madison,) 

From his service of twenty years in the Legislature, 
has acquired the appellation of " Father of the 
House." He is a gentleman of many line qualities, 
and of a sound head. Previous to the late session, 
he had uniformly been chairman of the Bank com- 
mittee, and sustained the onerous duties of that post, 
with credit; but as the financial condition of the 
State, growing out of the Banks, seemed to require 
more than ordinary skill and labor in the preparation 
of measures at the late session, the Speaker assigned 
that responsibility to the very able member from 
Mobile. Mr. Moore Avas placed at the head of an- 
other active committee — that of Propositions and 
Grievances, and was diligent, no less than impartial, 
in the discharge of his duties. 

At the session of 1841-2, Mr. Moore was elected 
Speaker of the House, by a unanimous vote. His 
long membership necessarily made him familiar with 
the Rules, and he presided with great fairness and 
courtesy, if not with decision. His main defect in 
the chair, if it may be called a defect, was his ex- 
ceeding delicacy lest he should offend. From this 
cause, proceeded those frequent, and, at times, irk- 
some explanations, by which he essayed to place his 
official conduct right before the House. A gentle- 
man more entirely devoid of favoritism, in the admin- 
istration of parliamentary law, or one who strove to 
satisfy all parties, never presided, in that dignified 
tation. Mr. Moore was far above unworthy influ- 



MR. MOORE, OF PERRY. 83 

ences; nor do we recollect of ever having heard a 
breath of censure against his motives, either in the 
chair or on the floor. True, he is a strong partizan, 
and he delights in the success of democratic mea- 
sures ; but he always fights openly, proclaims his ob- 
ject, and bears victory or defeat with dignified com- 
posure. 

As a debater, Mr. Moore occupies very fair ground, 
without being considered the most powerful reason- 
er, or imposing speaker of the House. His personal 
looks, especially his open and honest countenance, 
calm bearing, and respectful address, are highly pre- 
possessing. His efforts are always respectable, and 
occasionally of much force. We have heard some 
very fine things from Mr. Moore, in discussion, alike 
creditable to his intelligence and his patriotism. He 
is a physician, and also one of the wealthiest planters 
in the State ; perhaps, has more property than any 
of them, and owes no man a dollar. The age of Mr. 
M. we should take to be the senior side of fifty. 



Mr. MOORE, (Of Perry,) 

Is a firm democrat — accepts whatever will benefit 
his party, or maintain its foot-hold, as so many orders 
on his service, and appears to manifest as little con- 
cern about the quality of a proposition, so it is label- 
ed democratic, as any member on the floor. His 



84 MR. MORGAN, OF AUTAUGA. 

anxiety is to ascertain one leading fact, i. e., does 
the measure in hand tally with the interests of the 
democratic party 1 — will it increase their power, or 
cripple their opponents ? If so, then is Mr. Moore 
its champion until dooms-day. That the member 
from Perry is honest in his convictions of duty, we 
have no reason to doubt ; for he has so drilled his 
imagination that lie can see nothing but wisdom in 
democracy, and its reverse in all other parties. Mr. 
M. is a flippant speaker, has a good delivery, and 
quick apprehension. With these aids, he was gene- 
rally interesting, but never paddled his barque into 
deep water, and seldom let go the bushes on shore. 
He abhorred the very idea of tossing on the huge 
billows of debate ; he enjoyed the magnificent spec- 
tacle of a storm, while other ships rode out its fury, 
though he was cautious to avoid the surge. This, 
we believe, is a just analysis of his political charac- 
ter. As a gentleman, no one stands fairer ; his word 
goes as far as any man's, and he is prompt to redress 
a personal injury. Mr. Moore is a lawyer, in the 
prime of life. 



Mr. MORGAN, (Of Autauga,) 

Is much respected in the House. He is not a talk- 
ing member, in the broad sense of the term ; yet he 
claims the attention of his fellow members, occasion- 



MR. MORGAN, OF CHAMBERS. 85 

ally, to a few suggestions, or facts, of which he de- 
sires to place them in possession. This he does in a 
mild and unpretending way, and usually accomplishes 
his aim. He is a neighbor, and warm personal 
friend of Gov. Fitzpatrick. The highest evidence he 
could give of his fondness for the Governor's society, 
was the bill he introduced to repeal the act which 
required the Governor to reside permanently at the 
seat of government. When the bill passed both 
branches, and was laid before his Excellency for ap- 
proval, he thought of his old friend, the member from 
Autauga ; the many huntings and fishings they had 
had together, and for his accommodation, he signed 
it. None of this policy, however, appears on the re- 
cord. Perhaps a man more worthy of his confidence 
and friendship, as proved by long intimacy, could 
not be found by our respected chief magistrate. 

Mr. Morgan is a planter, and a democrat, probably 
two score and ten. 



Mr. MORGAN, (Of Chambers,) 

Is not only a good Indian fighter, but is a sterling 
representative. Many years ago, he held the office 
of United States Marshal for the District of Georgia, 
and discharged his public trust with great prompt- 
ness and integrity. He had not before served in the 
legislature of Alabama, and was of the number who 



86 MR. MORRIS. 

became very tired and impatient of the long session. 
He was as regular as clock work in his attendance in 
the House, and evaded no question. In explaining 
the bills and petitions he had introduced, Mr. Mor- 
gan necessarily occupied the floor, but never long at 
a time. On one occasion, he was a little severe on 
the majority, though his language was courteous and 
respectful. It seemed impossible that he should 
have enemies, for he was at all times frank, liberal 
and pleasant. Mr. M. is a planter, and a zealous 
whig, of large muscular frame, and perfectly grey 
head. His age is probably fifty-five. 



Mr. MORRIS, (Of Fayette,) 

During the last few weeks of the session, was con- 
fined to his room by severe illness. Previous to that 
time, he was a voting member, and appeared to look 
on with an anxious desire to see that his constituents, 
and the democratic party in general, were benefited 
by the action of the House. If his thoughts flowed 
in a different channel, we shall be excused, as a mat- 
ter of course, for not knowing their specific direc- 
tion and objects. The member from Fayette, con- 
stituted one of a large portion of the House, who 
were attracted to the Capitol, as much from curiosi- 
ty, and a sort of local pride to be called representa- 
tives, as from any deep-rooted impressions of their 



MR. MORRISETT. 87 

own, that were the wheels of Government to cease 
motion, they could give them a rotary impulse. 
That valuable and numerous class of our fellow citi- 
zens would find congenial employment any where 
else, than at the seat of Government. Mr. Morris 
is a planter of middle age. 



Mr. MORRISETT, (Of Monroe,) 

Is a rare character. A mere sight of his person 
would create no suspicion in the mind of the behold- 
er, that he was gazing on a man of acute and com- 
prehensive intellect, of intuitive sagacity, and great 
practical information, in the member from Monroe ; 
yet such, nevertheless, is the fact. Mr. Morrisett is 
emphatically a sensible man ; he possesses that most 
valuable and unfrequent of all gifts, sterling, unadul- 
terated, unpoetic common sense. He illustrates his 
notions of political economy in the most tangible and 
convincing of all methods — the successful manage- 
ment of his own affairs. The mere shifting of prop- 
erty from hand to hand, at greater or less prices, does 
not satisfy him that any solid wealth is added to the 
country. His ideas are so far antiquated that he 
believes nothing is gained to the general prosperity, 
except what is produced from the earth. He is 
obstinate in that opinion, and whoever undertakes 
to combat it, must rise early and think hard and late. 



88 MR. MORRISETT. 

No member of the House could excel the gentleman 
from Monroe, in strong, connected reasoning on 
topics which struck at the pecuniary interests of men. 
Girard himself was not more familiar with the prin- 
ciples of gain, and we had almost added, loss, too; 
but the latter term not being in the vocabulary of 
the member from Monroe, he might suspect us of 
indecorum by using, to him, a foreign word, and we 
therefore disavow it. It Avill require no great force 
of imagination, to conclude from this outline, that the 
finances of the member from Monroe are in a most 
flourishing condition. 

It has been usual for the subject matter of discus- 
sion to be introduced in the House, in a tangible 
shape, before argument; but the course of the mem- 
ber from Monroe ' was different. We distinctly re- 
member that when the bill to wind up the branch 
bank at Mobile, was under consideration, Mr. Mor- 
risett suggested that he had an amendment to offer, 
and then proceeded, in advance, to support it by a 
speech of two or three hours. The House adjourned 
while the member had the floor, and of course he 
was entitled to it next day, when the special order 
was taken up. When the hour came, the gentleman 
from Monroe was not in his seat ; the bill was in- 
lormally passed over until he appeared, at which 
time he submitted his amendment, not in due form, 
but merely byway of synopsis ! He then continued 
his remarks ; but for the want of a definite plan, of 
which his amendment fell short, he failed to secure 
the hitherto willing attention of the House, and his 
proposition thus perished in its skeleton shape. The 



MR. MORRISON. 89 

bottom of the question proved deeper than the mem- 
ber from Monroe had fancied, and he thereby dropped 
in water over his head, though he rose to the surface 
and swam out bravely, shaking himself like a lion, 
casting the dew from his mane. 

There was a quaintness and sarcasm in the style of 
Mr. Morrisett, that often provoked the risibility of 
the House. His blows, either in reply or in state- 
ment, were strongly dealt. It appeared to us, from 
the drift of his whole movements, that if in his power, 
he would make professional idleness a penitentiary 
offence ; that he wduld banish all drones from the 
great hive of society, and whoever refused to work 
should have the privilege of starving. The member 
from Monroe is a fat subject for the pencil ; and had 
we not already given him more space than we can 
average to his fellow-members, we should add a few 
more touches, to bring him up to his full stature and 
proportions. His picture, though unfinished, like his 
amendment, is set before the public eye for its criti- 
cism. We subjoin, that Mr. Morrisett sometimes 
practices law, and is a full blooded planter and whig, 
fifty years of age, more or less. 



Mr. MORRISON, (Of Bibb,) 

Though regularly in his seat, left such of his qualifi- 
cations at home as were calculated to elicit applause ; 



90 MR. MUNDY. 

for nothing was more evident than that the member 
from Bibb had pertinaciously resolved to have no 
part or lot in the business of the House, not even to 
the extent of forming a conclusion in his own mind. 
This fact, however, did not prevent him from voting ; 
but it certainly denied the House the aid of his 
counsels on the several trying questions before it. 
Had all the members of the House kept their in- 
formation as secluded, the session would have closed 
without any " proceedings" at all ; and if so, the 
heavy expense of printing the laws and journals 
would have been avoided. In this view, the mem- 
ber from Bibb would have saved the public money ; 
but we have no idea of insinuating that he would 
have gone so far in retrenchment as to waive his per 
diem. This would have been an exercise of abso- 
lute will on his part, too terrible for calm reflection. 

Notwithstanding Mr. Morrison neither sought nor 
obtained legislative distinction, it detracts nothing 
from his personal amiability. In politics he is with 
the majority, and by occupation a planter, about 
thirty years of age. 



Mr. MUNDY, (Of Jackson,) 

Is a case outrageously in point, and well adapted to 
the hand of the delineator. Representing a county 
where there are forty democrats to one whig, it is not 



MR. MUNDY. 91 

surprising that his temper kindles when he finds in 
the House, as co-laborers, men who do not believe 
that Gen. Jackson wrote the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, subdued Cornwallis at Yorktown, framed 
every clause of the Federal constitution, and had 
been President from 1789 until he bequeathed the 
Government to Mr. Van Buren and his supporters, 
in 1336-37. It is, indeed, enough to provoke the 
wrath of a master spirit of democracy, like the mem- 
ber from the "avalanche" region, to see pigmy mor- 
tals have the presumption to construe political histo- 
ry different from himself, or to have any ideas of their 
own, when it is so much safer to be united in one 
common mass of thought, propelled by the genius of 
grasp-all. 

It is not difficult to form an opinion of the member 
from Jackson, and his great solicitude for the public 
interests, when it is stated that of the sixty-seven 
democrats on the floor, many as old, and not a few as 
wise as himself, he was the only man who had the 
moral courage to sound the tocsin of party for the 
avowed object of taking money out of the treasury 
as a bonus for political services. This unscrupulous 
appeal was instantly rebuked by one of his col- 
leagues, (Mr. Finley,) who said that in voting away 
the people's money, he knew no party, and that he 
was for saving, let it benefit or injure what party it 
might. 

We dwelt with some particularity at No. 35 of 
these portraits, showing the generalship of the mem- 
ber from Marshall, in moving to lay every bill to 
which he was opposed, on the table. It will be only 



92 MR. ML' UP HEY. 

a just tribute to the member from Jackson county to 
say, that from his strong propensity in that line, he 
deserves the rank of first Aid to the Table General. 
From such a chief and such a staff, both illustrated 
by democratic exploits worthy of their genius, what 
results might not flow to civil liberty ? Mr. Mundy 
favored the House with occasional remarks, which 
cannot be termed the very worst in style and man- 
ner, delivered in the course of the session, nor can 
they be vouched, by a long shot, as the very best. 
They were between the two extremes, rather in- 
clined to the heel of the list. 

That Mr. Mundy is a good merchant, and a very 
upright gentleman in society, we have no doubt, as 
we take it for granted that every member is such 
who has the seal of his constituents : we should 
suppose him to be forty years of age, though his dry, 
dyspeptic looks may deceive. 



Mr. MURPHEY, (Of Randolph,) 

Had ways of his own ; looked fresh and athletic, and 
seemed to explore the different rooms and passages 
of the capitol with as much assiduity as if in quest of 
gold dust, of which it is said he is a professed col- 
lector among the mines. He never made a remark 
in the House, of which we have any knowledge, 
further than to offer papers. Of his intelligence we 



MR. NORMAN. 93 

know and heard nothing, hut presume it is fair, as he 
is a mechanic, and that class of men are generally 
close observers and sound thinkers. He is also a 
democrat, in meridian blaze. 



Mr. NORMAN, (Of Franklin,) 

Sustains very fair relations in the House. He occu- 
pies the floor just often and long enough to gain his 
remarks a patient hearing. There is one subject on 
which he takes the lead, session after session, and 
that is, relief to the purchasers of University lands. 
He is familiar with the proceedings of Congress, the 
State legislature, and the action of the Trustees in 
regard to the seventy-two sections donated by the 
General Government, for the establishment of a 
seminary of learning in Alabama. The different 
sales ; the minimum prices ; the average at which 
the lands were bid off; the cash payments; balance 
due, and the hardship of cases, are stored away in 
the memory of Mr. Norman, for use whenever his 
bills for relief are under consideration. His projects, 
whatever show of justice they may have, if any, seem 
to meet with very little success. There are gener- 
ally two or three members of the Board of Trustees 
in the House, who, having examined into the fiscal 
interests of the College, report that a very large 
amount, not less than $140,000, has already been 
9 



94 MR. MORRIS. 

relinquished to purchasers. Other arguments follow 
of sufficient validity to dispose the House against the 
measure of the representative from Franklin. 

As a debater, Mr. Norman is quite respectable, 
though he sets up no high pretensions. His manner 
is earnest, his voice distinct and agreeable. He is 
a merchant, and also a democrat, in the morning of 
life. 



Mr. NORMS, (Of Dallas,) 

Is perfectly aware of his mental gifts, and it is well 
that he should be so. It is no less folly to be igno- 
rant of one's capacity, than to overrate it. In this 
respect, the member from Dallas has fallen on the 
proper medium. He has sufficient confidence in his 
own opinions, to induce him to assert them boldly, 
and at such length as to do himself the fullest justice. 
We have frequently heard him discuss measures un- 
til the House began to grow impatient, and call for 
the question. This, however, did not allay the zeal 
or abridge the speeches of the member; on the con- 
trary, after surveying his tormentors, he looked de- 
fiance at them, and then proceeded in his own way. 
At no time, however, did Mr. Norris talk wide of the 
subject, nor was he particularly feeble. There was 
a vein of good sense in all that he said, and it was 
evident that he kept the public interests steadily in 



MR. OLIVER. 95 

view. His favorite measure at the late session, was 
the bill he introduced to let out the public printing 
to the lowest bidder, on sufficient indemnity to the 
State. Had it passed, it is probable a saving of 
$2,000 annually, on the then existing prices, would 
have been realized to the treasury. The bill, how- 
ever, was finally laid on the table by the majority. 

When the bill from the Senate, to divide the State 
into Congressional Districts, on the white basis, was 
before the House, Mr. Norris used every exertion in 
his power to amend it by detaching Coosa from the 
third, and adding it to the seventh district, but failed. 
Mr. Norris is just passing the noon of life. He is an 
intelligent and upright planter, and a whig. 



Mr. OLIVER, (Of Macon,) 

Made no effort, and manifested no anxiety, to be- 
come conspicuous in the House. Submitting the 
bills and petitious which devolved upon him, in the 
course of his public duties, he was content with the 
privilege of voting for or against whatever came be- 
fore him. We recollect no evasion practiced by the 
member from Macon. His voice was, perhaps, as 
regularly heard when the roll was called, as that of 
any gentleman on the floor. Take him all in all, he 
was what might be termed a favorable specimen of 
the planting community, more remarkable for solid 



96 MR.PETTIT. 

worth, than for mere sound and show. The mem- 
ber from Macon is apparently forty-five years of 



Mr. PETTIT, (Of Barbour,) 

Has been more or less prominently before the pub- 
lic eye for the last dozen years. We recollect see- 
ing him in the Legislature of Georgia, some ten 
years ago. He originally belonged to what was call- 
ed the Clark party in that State, in opposition to 
Troup and the Treaty, in the scenes of 1825 and '26 ; 
but when the Carolina doctrine of State Rights be- 
gan to be promulgated, Mr. P. was among the few of 
his local party that espoused it warmly. This was, 
assuredly, high proof of his disinterestedness and sin- 
cerity. To what extent his position affected his po- 
litical prospects in that part of Georgia in which he 
resided, we are not prepared to say ; but we should 
infer from circumstances, that he was not satisfied. 

In a few years, Mr. Pettit is seen laboring with 
ability, in support of State Remedies, as editor of the 
Alabama Journal. We had the pleasure of seeing 
occasional numbers of his paper, and these certainly 
evinced talent and investigation, in the cause to 
which he had devoted the energies of his mind. — 
Finding, no doubt, that editorials cost more time than 
could be well spared from his profession, Mr. P. re- 



MR.PETTIT. 97 

linquished the press, and established himself at Ir- 
winton, (now Eufaula,) where he at present resides* 
in the midst of a lucrative practice of the law. Se- 
veral years ago, Mr. P. was a member of the House, 
from Barbour. His rank, as a debater, has always 
been considerable. He possesses a fine voice, court- 
ly manners, and commanding person. At times, he 
is even eloquent. Occasionally, he skims the sur- 
face of questions, as if he thought he could best an- 
swer his purpose in that way ; again, he strikes at 
first principles, and makes a strong impression on the 
judgment of the House. The mental operations of 
Mr. Pettit are not distinguished for celerity ; they 
are rather cautious and safe, than rapid. When a 
clear opportunity is afforded for the indulgence of 
wit, he utters some very excellent things in that way, 
on the floor. No gentleman is more courteous and 
bland in discussion. His nature revolts at the idea 
of using offensive language, unprovoked, and he is 
equally decided, in permitting none to be addressed 
to him, with impunity. Mr. P. is not destitute of a 
lair opinion of himself; has the elevated feelings of a 
gentleman, and is a warm whig, about forty-four 
years of age. 

9* 



9S MR. PICKETT. 

Mr. PICKETT, (Of Marengo,) 

Was a new member, and took no part in discussion. 
He was always at his post, and faced with his vote, 
every question that came before him. Though firm 
in his opinions, and always ready to act them out, he 
was modest and retiring, utterly averse to every 
thing like show. He is a tall, fine looking gentle- 
man, in the zenith of life, a whig, and planter. 



Mr. PORTER, (Of Tuskaloosa,) 

Enjoys an extensive and merited reputation for legal 
abilities, and also as a legislator. Besides the nine 
volumes of the decisions of the Supreme Court, bear- 
ing his name as reporter, he, in conjunction with Mr. 
Stewart, reported five other volumes, exhibiting, in 
the whole, an amount of labor, and professional re- 
search, on his part, which has secured him a most 
enviable distinction, not only at home, but among his 
brethren of the bar in other States. 

He formerly represented the county of Monroe in 
the Legislature, and was regarded, thus early, an ef- 
ficient member. Removing, afterwards, to the seat 
of government, where he still resides, he has been 
several times elected a representative from Tuska- 
loosa county. Actuated by a humane spirit, he in- 



MR. PORTER. 99 

traduced a bill at the session of 1838-39, to abolish 
imprisonment for debt, which passed both Houses of 
the General Assembly, and received the Executive 
approval, February 1, 1839. That judicial remant 
of a barbarous age, has been wisely destroyed through 
the efforts of the member from Tuskaloosa ; and no 
man, except fraud be alleged and proved against him, 
can now be deprived of his liberty in this State, for 
debt. 

At the session of 1839-40, Mr. Porter, then a 
member of the House, was elected Judge of the 10th 
Judicial Circuit, which was created, from other Cir- 
cuits, during the session. When he visited Mobile, 
embraced by the new Circuit, for the purpose of en- 
tering on the duties of the bench, he was greeted 
with a most hospitable and cordial reception by the 
inhabitants, who, through a highly respectable com- 
mittee, tendered him the compliment of a public din- 
ner, and expressed the grateful remembrance in 
which they held his exertions in the Legislature, in 
behalf of the city, at a period of great commercial em- 
barrassment, fire and pestilence. The committee 
added assurances of the high estimation in which they 
held his virtues and talents, and of the pleasure they 
felt at his residence in the city. Mr. Porter declin- 
ed the proffered civilities, on the ground that, as a 
Judge, it was necessary he should abstain from ex- 
citement, and take no part in public proceedings of 
that kind. 

After having cleared the dockets of the Circuit, of 
several thousand cases, and performed more labor 
than perhaps any Judge in the State, within an equal 



1 00 MR. PORTER. 

period, underwent, Mr. Porter resigned his office in 
six or seven months, owing to the alleged unconsti- 
tutionality of his election, he having been a member 
when the Circuit was created. About this time, the 
presidential canvass began to wax hot, when Mr. 
Porter, no longer trammelled by the ermine, engag- 
ed ardently and eloquently in the discussions of the 
day, as the supporter of the whig candidate. Being 
specially invited by the whigs of Franklin county, to 
attend a Convention at Tuscumbia, on the 16th of 
October, Mr. Porter complied, and was elected Pre- 
sident of that body. The same honor was also con- 
ferred on him at the State Whig Convention, at the 
capitol, in December, 1840. 

About this time, when each party was consulting 
about its candidate for Governor, the name of Mr. 
Porter was mentioned in several prints, in connexion 
with that office ; but the whigs declining to make a 
nomination, no candidate was presented from their 
ranks. 

From that time until November last, the whigs 
continued to regard Mr. Porter as one of their ablest 
and most devoted champions; and the whigs of 
Tuskaloosti especially, testified their confidence, by 
the cordial support they gave him, among an unusual 
number of whig candidates, on the first Monday in 
August, by which he was elected to the House. 

The whigs of Dallas having invited him to a Clay 
festival, to be given on the 30th of November, he 
returned them a communication, which excited gen- 
eral surprise and regret among the members of the 
party with whom he had so long and bravely done 



MR. PORTER. 101 

battle. He assigned certain abstract reasons, why 
he could not yield his support to the whig candidate 
for the Presidency, and noticed the State rights 
ground, on which he had always stood, considering 
it in direct antagonism to the policy of the whig- 
Congress, and of Mr. Clay. Mr. Porter did not 
expressly name Mr. Calhoun as his first choice, but 
left as much to be inferred from his published letter 
of 3d November, to the Selma committee. 

Under these circumstances, Mr. Porter took his 
seat in the House ; and we could not repress the 
idea, that his situation, between the democrats and 
whigs, with whom he was publicly associated, was 
not extravagantly agreeable, and that it kept him 
from occupying the active and prominent position 
during the winter, which he had hitherto done. 
Still, he did not remain wholly in the back ground ; 
he introduced valuable measures, and supported 
them with ability. In all his votes, we saw no es- 
sential split from the body of the whigs, except in 
regard to the acceptance of the distribution fund, 
now subject to the order of the State, in the Treas- 
ury department at Washington. With the demo- 
crats generally, he voted against receiving it. 

As a speaker, Mr. Porter is distinguished for ani- 
mation, force, chaste language, clear thought, not 
powerful voice, and graceful address. His reading 
embraces almost every thing ; his memory is reten- 
tive, and freely supplies him with what materials he 
may desire from books. He is a most indefatigable 
student and business man. Whatever may be the 
objections of the whigs to his late political course, 



102 MR. P Y N E S . 

(which we by no means defend,) it cannot detract 
from the generous and lofty traits of his personal 
character. In these, he has a foundation, which 
politics cannot sweep from under him. The age of 
Mr. Porter, we should infer, is about thirty-six. 



Mr. PYNES, (Of Henry.) 

Was so little different from mankind in general, and 
sat up such modest pretensions to legislative glory, 
that we should wrong him, by ascribing any decided 
points of character to him, or by attempting to por- 
tray a gentleman so intellectually balanced, that he 
had no motion at all. This remark is only applica- 
ble to his business nature — not to his personal quali- 
ties, which gave him a strong hold upon the kind re- 
gards of his fellow members, among whom he sat 
daily, until about the last two weeks of the session, 
when he obtained leave of absence, and left for 
home. It will be seen that we have a meagre, 
though honorable topic, and that politics, (democrat- 
ic,) and age (thirty-four) alone remain to be mention- 
ed, besides the fact that he is a planter. 



MR. RICE. 103 

Mr. RICE, (Of Morgan,) 

Is an experienced member, and has been President 
of the Senate. His abilities are more than ordinary ; 
and so are his speaking powers. He is grave, formal, 
well bred, complaisant, and full of reminiscences of 
character and events. When the House went into 
committee of the whole, or the Speaker temporarily 
left the chair, Mr. Rice was generally called to pre- 
side ; and it is due to his knowledge of parliamenta- 
ry rules, and also to his intelligence, to say that he 
acquitted himself in that situation with uniform 
credit. The member from Wilcox, (Mr. Bridges,) 
was the only gentleman on the floor, who, within 
our observation or knowledge, complained of irreg- 
ularity in the conduct of the member from Morgan, 
while in the chair. That circumstance has been 
alluded to elsewhere. We have no hesitancy in 
saying, that no blame could or did attach to Mr. 
Rice. No member was more tenacious of the rules, 
and few understood them better. 

From the specimens of talent and eloquence we 
have heard from Mr. Rice, in both branches of the 
General Assembly, we have always been of opinion, 
that he was moulded for an orator of superior grade. 
His voice is strong, rich and musical; his address 
commanding and dignified ; his language has force 
and beauty enough to captivate both the mind and 
the ear. In fact, view the member from Morgan in 
what light you may, whether as a declaimer, com- 
mittee man, or presiding officer, he sustains a high 



104 MR. RICHESON. 

reputation. His mind is less acute than solid. On 
constitutional questions, he shows to greater advan- 
tage, than in the skirmishes of the House. The 
only drawback that we have noticed, in the business 
habits of the member from Morgan, is the rather 
solemn, and somewhat pompous formality, which 
governs all his movements. This, in fact, injures no 
one ; but a great deal of it is frequently looked upon 
by other members as setting a premeditated example 
for their imitation ; and it is known that such a thing 
as lecturing public bodies on etiquette is not well 
received. We cannot tell the reason why Mr. Rice, 
considering his abilities and long public service, ami 
withal, his warm devotion to the democratic party, 
has not received greater promotion at the hands of 
his political friends, who seem to have the power, in 
North Alabama at least, to put up and pull down 
whom they please. They have certainly sent men 
to Congress with less qualification. He is a member 
of the bar, about fifty years of age. 



Mr. RICHESON, (Of Franklin,) 

Is one of those cases of exceeding difficulty to make 
a strong picture. All that we have to remark is, 
that he voted as a democrat, and made a few obser- 
vations to the House at different times, all of which 
he contrived to dress up for the public eye. Thus, 



MR. ROBINSON. 105 

we have seen published, remarks of the member 
from Franklin, which were enhanced in value by 
the fact, that the time of the House was not con- 
sumed by their delivery in extenso, but only by cap- 
tion. In this, however, he was not destitute of com- 
panions ; and we have merely glanced at the cir- 
cumstances, in connexion with the member from 
Franklin, because he appeared to be the last, from 
whom a speech would be expected on the floor, and 
certainly among the very last, to whom a production 
of any length, without his name, would be attribu- 
ted. He was an attentive member, of friendly dis- 
position, a democrat and a planter, rising forty years 
of age. 



Mr. ROBINSON, (Of Madison,) 

Appeared to be somewhat morose and abstracted in 
his habits. He frequently addressed the House, and 
his efforts may be styled neither very strong nor by 
any means feeble. They were usually founded on 
specific data, and partook of excellent sense ; yet 
they were, in the main, phlegmatic and prosey. 
When he began to speak, his strong guttural voice 
would draw attention, until there became such mo- 
notony in his sentences, particularly the opening 
stress and percussive swell which vibrated with 
harsh emphasis, that the ear was very little enter- 

10 



106 MR. ROBINSON. 

tained. Very differently, however, was the judg- 
ment ; it was always edified by matter of fact or 
opinion worthy to be heard. The member from 
Madison, we should infer, was laborious in his pro- 
fession, that of the law ; he has a strong mind which 
does not appear to be highly cultivated, perhaps for 
the w T ant of early opportunities, in which we know 
how to sympathize with the member. He was re- 
garded as a highly valuable business man of the 
House, and an efficient debater. The peculiarities 
of manner to which we alluded, did not amount to 
absolute discord, so as to clear the galleries and put 
members in an uproar; nor did they prevent his 
being listened to with respect. They only rendered 
him harsh — not dull. 

In politics, Mr. Robinson is a democrat. We have 
understood that in his county there is a split ; the 
Clay party and the Moore party, — to the latter of 
which Mr. Robinson is said to belong. He is an in- 
corrigible bachelor, with ample means for matrimo- 
ny ; and as a punishment for his coldness toward the 
ladies, we have a great mind to tell his age — but we 
forbear. He is young enough to be a prize in the 
market, and plenty old to manage well. 



MR. ROB.Y. MR. SCOTT. 107 

Mr. ROBY, (Of Morgan,) 

Is a new and very young- looking member. He did 
not think proper to give the House instructions as to 
its duty, or light with regard to his own motives for 
any vote he gave. Perhaps he considered there was 
no dearth of talking members, and that to acquire 
general good wiil, silence was the cheapest instru- 
mentality. There is no doubt the member from 
Morgan was competent, from his regular education 
and fair abilities, to have figured in debate much to 
his credit ; but as it was his first session, the sound 
of his voice, when all was attention to hear him, was 
a peril not to be courted prematurely. From his 
appearance, he would be taken for just twenty-one ; 
but we have understood that he is six or seven years 
older. He is a planter, and belongs to the political 
majority so omnipotent in his quarter of the State. 



Mr. SCOTT, (Of Jackson,) 

Was introduced very extensively to the public, some 
three or four years ago, by the action of the House 
on his eligibility to a seat, he having been at the time 
of his election, and while presenting his credentials, 
clerk of the circuit court. Upon investigation, his 
seat was declared vacant ; whereupon, he returned 



108 MR. SCOTT. 

to his constituents, and without resigning his clerk- 
ship, was re-elected and appeared forthwith at the 
bar of the House, demanding his seat, which was 
again refused, and we think he was elected the third 
time, still retaining his office, and was thrice reject- 
ed. Nothing hut the adjournment prevented, so far 
as we know, a continuance of the war upon the 
House. 

During the last session, no contest arose in regard 
to Mr. Scott's membership — his term of office having 
expired, or he had resigned it. He occupied the 
floor frequently, and sometimes at much length, 
always with clever ability. Mr. Scott was deeply 
imbued with the spirit of a partizan, seeking popular 
favor by the most bald faced and unqualified mode — 
that of a starving economy in the public expendi- 
tures, and of constant declarations of love for the 
people — the laboring portion especially. To show 
that public officers were too well paid, he was in the 
habit of comparing the profits of manual labor, in the 
different occupations, with the per diem of the 
Judges, showing that the sweat of fifty men at the 
plough would hardly earn as much money as the 
State paid to one Judge ! In fact, he demonstrated, 
in his own way, that the average of common labor 
was eleven cents per day to the hand, while that of 
the Judge, who sat in the house sheltered from the 
cold and the heat, amusing himself with his books, 
was six or seven dollars per day. When he drew 
the contrast, his voice rose to the sternest pitch of 
indignation, as if it was anti-republican to permit 
mental labor, pursued in the shade, to be paid a 



MR. SKIPPER. 109 

fraction higher, than mere bodily labor in the sun, 
where no idea of greater altitude than a potato hill 
was necessary. Such, we believe, were the prevail- 
ing characteristics of the member from Jackson. He 
was not without ingenuity nor talents ; in both, he 
was far above mediocrity. As a speaker, he had 
qualities which would have commanded much higher 
respect, but for the incessant game of " Buncombe" a,t 
which he was always playing, or at least it so ap- 
peared to others. He is something of a business 
man, and is author of the bill for the investigation of 
all extra allowances made by bank directors since 
1835, giving power to the Governor, if he should 
deem it expedient on the report of the commission- 
ers, to institute proceedings for the recovery of such 
unauthorized applications of the public money. (See 
Acts p. 220.) 

Mr. Scott's county settles his politics. His age, 
though his head is freely sprinkled with grey, is not 
perhaps over forty-two or three, if so much. We 
think he would make a good lawyer ; but not know- 
ing that he is one, we set him down as a planter. 



Mr. SKIPPER, (Of Dale and Coffee,) 

Though a new member, was sorely afflicted with the 

belief that the session would fail to do good, unless 

he enlightened the House on the subjects of finance 

10* 



110 31 R. SKIPPER. 

and taxation. It is due to his capacity in general, as 
well as to his style of eloquence in particular, to say 
that he was always heard with mirthful attention. 
No small measure of wit, or felicitous humor, is 
usually required to set the House in a rage of laugh- 
ter ; yet to the honor of the member from Dale, be 
it said, he never occupied the floor without banishing 
all sadness within the scope of his voice, or within 
view of his person. There was a burning idolatry 
in his affections towards man, as a noble, rational, 
independent, daring, unsophisticated being, that 
could not brook the insulting idea of a tax on his 
poll! Such was not the liberty (paying tax on a 
man's brains,) for which his forefathers met the. ene- 
my at the Cowpens, Ninety-Six, Eutaw and Camden, 
in the State which gave him birth, and where taxes 
were alone laid on property. To tax a man's head, 
was, in his opinion, to make him a slave to the gov- 
ernment. Sooner would the rock of Gibraltar fly 
from its base, than he would tolerate such an odious, 
strange, abominable, despotic, outlandish, idea — it 
was the most " preposterous thing ever heard of." 
And he was as good as his word, in voting against it. 
Whenever a man acquires celebrity, people are 
curious to know much about him. We do not say 
that the member from Dale was governed by the 
proud resolves of an ambitious statesman, when he 
triumphed over a rival claimant for the honor of a seat 
on the floor ; but it was very evident that a few 
weeks' acquaintance with public affairs, as they 
passed in review before him, kindled the fires of his 
intellect, and sent him whizzing like a meteor in the 



MR. SKIPPER. Ill 

air. His language, if the sounds he emitted from his 
lips may be so called, was not crisped nor enervated 
by scholastic rules, or by any known relation to ob- 
jects. It gushed forth in its pristine freedom, as in 
days before such innovators as Lindley Murray and 
Noah Webster drugged the human mind with their 
nonsense. But, the member from Dale, with all his 
peculiarities, not less striking than they were harm- 
less, was upon good terms with his fellow members. 
So far as we know, he is a gentleman of upright life, 
and, to use his own expression, " a natural born de- 
mocrat." He has been sheriff of Ins county, or some 
neighboring tract, according to his confessions in 
the sparring he had with Mr. Morrisett. At all 
events, the member from Dale is not likely to miss 
preferment of any kind, by reason of self-distrust. 
No man is more decidedly exempt from that craven 
infirmity ; and we should not be surprised, new and 
unpromising of great results as his name is at present, 
if a few more winters at the Capitol qualified him for 
Congress, in the opinion of his constituents, and so 
forth. Mr. Skipper, being neither lawyer nor doctor, 
must be a cultivator of the soil, apparently under 
thirty years of age. 



112 31 R. SMITH, OF LAUDERDALE, 

Mr. SMITH, (Of Lauderdale,) 

Is more highly estimable as a man, than he is influ- 
ential or respected in debate. No member exhibits 
equal intolerance. Always free to charge the worst 
motives upon his opponents, or those taking side of 
the question different from himself; and couching, 
as he usually does, his fulminations in the bitterest 
language, his very act of taking the floor, creates a 
heavy, grating movement in the House, as if the rack 
of torture was upheld for its victim. His temper is 
occasionally excited to such a pitch, as to choke his 
utterance, or to give his sentiments the cast that he 
alone, of all the House, has wisdom and integrity 
enough to legislate for the public weal. We have 
no idea, nor do we intimate, that the representative 
from Lauderdale really looks upon his fellow mem- 
bers as destitute of correct principles, although his 
manner often implies as much. An incident that 
caused the profoundest feeling in the House, might 
be mentioned, to show into what extremes of rash- 
ness his feelings would lead him ; yet as a description 
of it would place the member from Lauderdale most 
irretrievably in the wrong, and might be regarded as 
an attempt to give publicity to a quarrel between 
democratic friends, we pass over it. Aside from the 
rancor which he manifests in discussion, Mr. Smith 
has no defect which could be magnified to his injury. 
Much of the irascibility of the member from Lau- 
derdale, at the late session, may, perhaps, be justly 
ascribed to the acute bodily sufferings under which 



MR. SMITH, OF PICKENS* 113 

he labored most of the time. He was compelled to 
walk with crutches, from rheumatism, and had to be 
assisted frequently by his friends, in moving in the 
hall, and always by his servant in ascending and de- 
scending the staircase. He was the only member 
allowed by the Speaker to vote from his seat at the 
fire place. Mr. Smith is intelligent, though he cares 
very little for taste in his style of speaking. Apart 
from his political character, he has much to recom- 
mend him to public esteem. He is a planter, near 
forty years of age. 



Mr. SMITH, (Of Pickens,) 

Has a venerable appearance, and is no doubt a clever, 
worthy citizen of the democratic school. He ad- 
dressed the House occasionally, and was very pro- 
fuse of his courtesies to " Mr. Speaker," a term which 
constituted one-fourth of his harangues. Economy 
in the public expenditures was his hobby, and he 
ambled upon it with great satisfaction, always pay- 
ing his respects to " Mr. Speaker" at every lope. 
The resolutions he offered for biennial sessions were 
merged, in committee, into those of Mr. Kennedy, of 
Lauderdale, which provided for the same object, 
and also for a reduction of the members of the legis- 
lature. Mr. Smith offered amendments to bills, 
chiefly of the retrenching character. He is a plant- 
er, about fifty years of age. 



114 MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 

Mr. SMITH, (Of Tuskaloosa,) 

Is not unknown to fame — chiefly as an author ; and 
in that character we shall first introduce him in our 
portrait gallery. It has been said of Pope, that he 
lisped verses at five years of age, or at some other 
very tender period ; but how soon the member from 
Tuskaloosa began the same sport, remains to be di- 
vulged by the biography of his literary career, when 
juvenile manuscripts shall he decyphered into pre- 
cocious rhyme. Whether the Muse asserted her 
dominion over Mr. Smith, in his tenth or fifteenth 
year, or at a much earlier or later period, we have 
no means of stating with satisfactory precision ; but, 
as all important eras, especially those a little soiled 
with antiquity, are fixed by connecting data together, 
we shall endeavor to show at what point of the 
horizon the member should be located — whether, 
below the zenith, or a little beyond it. 

Now for chronology. Some twelve years ago, Mr. 
Smith stood before the world, in print, as an author. 
The readers of elegant fiction were banquetted upon 
" The Bridal Eve ;" the epicures of verse had their 
palates regaled by " College Musings," and as to the 
periodicals he adorned with contributions, thus early 
in the nineteenth century, we have no catalogue on 
which to found a statement. It is generally believ- 
ed, his pen was in action most of the time, in writing 
books, or in the preparation of odes for that loveliest 
of all months, which succeeds April, and for that 
most thrilling of all events, the coronation of the May 



MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 115 

Queen. Nor did he confine his labors to minstrelsy ; 
though musical in the grove, he was didactic in the 
parlor, as shown by a series of letters in the " Bea- 
con of Liberty," purporting to be from a young lady 
at school, to her mother, descriptive of the society of 

the village of G , and more particularly of the 

behavior of Mr. Alexander Wheelhorse, at a ball. — 
In these vigorous occupations, the member from Tus- 
kaloosa engaged with exuberant gusto. To him, all 
nature stood revealed in the garb of Poetry,, melting 
in " consolidated moon-beams," on perfumed, tint- 
ed, gilt-edged paper, in heavy embossed, variegated 
morocco binding. But in the midst of these elysian 
contemplations — these haunts of the fairy queen, 
there sprung up a savage monster that demolished 
the whole concern. War, grim-visaged, gory war, 
was heard in the eastern breeze. Its clarion notes 
roused the poet from his dreams, and converted him, 
as if by magic, into a soldier — aye, an officer. The 
drum beat for volunteers to march against the Creek 
enemy ; three-score brave youths rallied to their 
country's standard — organized as mounted infantry, 
and placing Captain Smith at their head, they re- 
paired to the scene, — or were turned back, by supe- 
rior orders before they got there. In fact, we never 
heard much about the expedition, whether it rendez- 
voused at Vernon, and there disbanded, or whether 
it participated in the destruction of the hostile war- 
riors, whose slain lay in uncounted heaps at Fort Tus- 
keegee. Though having no materials for a full his- 
tory of the campaign, we are certain of one thing — 
that Captain Smith acquired (or deserved) as much 



116 MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 

glory as fell to the lot of any brave that crimsoned 
his sword in the Creek war of 1836. 

Having felt the military passion, without the pros- 
pect of danger at home, Capt. Smith directed his 
vision to Texas, and addressed public assemblies 
wherever he could find them, in behalf of the young 
Republic, — of his countrymen there, resisting the 
tyrant Santa Anna, — and painting in the richest 
colors of eloquence, the benefits of martyrdom, like 
that of the chivalrous Fannin, Crockett, and other 
noble dead. We recollect listening, with pleasure, 
to his manly appeals, in the village where we then 
resided. The building in which he spoke, was a 
large unfinished tavern ; the basement story afford- 
ed, by its uncovered sleepers, convenient seats for 
the audience. Here we caught such enthusiasm, 
that we were almost tempted to rush upon Santa 
Anna's bayonets, just for the immortality of being- 
butchered in the cause of freedom. Capt. Smith 
was apparently resolved on such a fate, let others 
do as they might. On his way to Texas, he halted 
in Mobile, and there became engaged in a tragedy, 
not similar to that of Goliad or the Alamo, but some- 
thing about " Aaron Burr, or the Conquest of Mexi- 
co." We have seen, in the Picayune, from the pen 
of one of its editors, an account of the origin, pro- 
gress and consummation of this piece of authorship. 
It is there stated, that a young actor, the warm per- 
sonal friend of the member from Tuskaloosa, wish- 
ing to bring forward an original play for his benefit at 
the theatre, and entertaining the opinion, that the 
member was endowed with great dramatic abilities, 



MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 117 

suggested to him the character of the tragedy. No 
sooner said, than the author went to work, and com- 
pleted two or three acts the first night, which were 
rehearsed by the performers the next day, and in a 
few evenings, the whole was ready for public exhi- 
bition. But the difficulty was in casting the charac- 
ters; the comedians knew very little of Aaron 
Burr, what kind of man he was, so that they could 
safely enter into his passions and schemes. This 
dilemma was obviated by the author, who had tho- 
roughly sifted the hero of the plot, and who took upon 
himself the personation of that renowned individual, 
on the stage. The night arrived — the play was per- 
formed to a crowded audience, amidst great ap- 
plause ; and it is said by the Picayune editor, that 
the most brilliant and effective passages in the trag- 
edy, were never written — but were extemporized 
by the author, in sustaining the character. We in- 
quired of a gentleman, who had read the play, and 
who saw it performed that memorable night, what 
sentiments Burr uttered on the stage, which were 
not in the copy. The reply was, that in the closing 
scene, where Burr is stricken down a corpse, the 
stage curtain refused to drop, owing to some defect 
in the pulleys, until the dead Emperor began to grow 
impatient, and whispered, " let down that curtain ! — 
let down that curtain instantly ! !" These are the 
unwritten words of the play. As for Texas and her 
battles, they had to defer to other engagements. 

About this time, Mr. Smith established in Mobile, 
a monthly or semi-monthly periodical, styled the 
" Bachelor's Button," under his editorial direction. 
11 



118 MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 

It was sustained with ability about twelve months, 
more or less, and then died. The tragedy of " Aaron 
Burr," enriched its pages. 

The next glimpse we get of Mr. S., we find him 
mayor of this city, in 1839 and '40 — a very honora- 
ble station, and one that is always sought, either with 
or without competition. In the latter year, he gal- 
lantly supported the hero of Tippecanoe for the Pre- 
sidency, and in August, took an excursion to Nash- 
ville, Tenn., for the sole object of seeing and hear- 
ing a citizen of Kentucky, by the name of Clay, 
who had been invited, and promised to attend the 
oreat South- Western Convention there. In a few 
months afterwards, a Poem appeared in this market, 
entitled " Hard Cider," descriptive of the conven- 
tion, its incidents, characters, and above all, of the 
said Clay, who was versified into more than mortal. 
This poem has been publicly ascribed to Mr. Smith, 
and he has neither publicly nor privately denied its 
authorship. 

So things went on until August, 1841, when Mr. 
Smith was elected by the whigs, a Representative 
of Tuskaloosa county, in the Legislature. In 1842, 
he was again a candidate for the same post, and was 
elected as a whig. Having occasion to address a 
portion of his constituents in November, he express- 
ed his opposition to Mr. Clay's views on the tariff 
land distribution, bankrupt law, and the veto power. 
Since then, the political doctrines of Mr. S., if he 
has any in particular, are not exactly known. He 
cannot, to be sure, have the grace to join the demo- 



MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 119 

cratic party, after branding them with such compli- 
ments as are found in his work on " Hard Cider." 

At the session of 1841, the member from Tuska- 
loosa defended the University, as a glorious institu- 
tion ; and extracts from his speech were even pub- 
lished in other States, as specimens of Alabama elo- 
quence. In 1842, he assaulted it with great vio- 
lence, and came within a single vote of retrenching 
it to death. 

Besides the profession of literature, he follows that 
of the law, and has written and published a book of 
444 pages, called " The Alabama Justice of the 
Peace." It is creditable to his skill and industry,, 
and has strong recommendations, from established 
lawyers, of its great utility. 

We must apologize for the length of this sketch. 
As Mr. Smith is the only member who has been an 
author from his childhood, and who has cultivated 
poetry through all its gradations, from doggerel to 
epic, it may well be supposed that we could not dis- 
patch him in few words. It now remains for us to 
allude to his style of speaking, which is a very pecu- 
liar and moving style. As to his voice, it is feeble, 
without huskiness, and utterly devoid of compass. 
The tones are distinct enough, but they have no va- 
riety ; they glide on the scale of sound as if eloquence 
consisted in torpid monotony. There is always ani- 
mation in the language, but it has no second in the 
act of speech. Yet, at times, Mr. Smith says things 
handsomely ; he always labors to do so, and therein 
lies his error. If he paid less attention to the harmo- 



120 MR. SMITH, OF TUSKALOOSA. 

ny of his sentences, and more to the subject matter, 
he would find it to his advantage. 

The word moving, applied to Mr. Smith's style of 
eloquence, we now explain. It is the faculty of 
driving beyond the reach of his voice, either mem- 
bers of the House or spectators. We recollect when 
Mr. Smith undertook to make a speech in favor of 
his resolutions, from committee, affirming the inten- 
tion and ability of Alabama to comply with all her 
engagements, about two-thirds of the members left 
the hall, and the Speaker (Mr. Rice in the chair,) 
announced that no quorum was present. The door- 
keeper brought in the absentees, and Mr. Smith re- 
sumed. In five minutes, the Speaker said there was 
no quorum. This happened three or four times, 
when Mr. McClung remarked, that the House was 
so impatient of the question, that even Cicero him- 
self, were he present, could not secure the attention 
of members. Under the force of this comparison, 
Mr. Smith took his seat, and was quite demure the 
balance of the session, lest the idea of his being equal 
to Cicero, in the estimation of others, might vanish. 

One thing more, that of age. Computing that Mr. 
Smith was twenty-five when he first published as an 
author, twelve years ago, he would now be thirty- 
seven ; but supposing that he was only seventeen 
then, he is now under thirty, which is, perhaps, the 
correct figure, as he was not old enough to act as a 
Trustee of the University, to which honor he would 
have aspired at the late session, but for the misfor- 
tune of being under thirty years of age, — the law re- 
quiring that Trustees should be at least thirty. We 



MR. STORRS. 121 

leave the question of age to be settled between Mr. 
Smith and the ladies, to whose favor we consign him, 
as a very agreeable and accomplished bachelor. 

We leave many things unsaid, which the rare 
qualities of Mr. Smith suggest as worthy of mention . 
In all his social relations, he is perfectly clever ; no 
gentleman more so. As a politician, his conduct has 
been so devious of late months, that there is as 
great a diversity of opinion, as to what party he 
belongs, or what object he seeks, as there is in re- 
gard to the comet, or zodiacal light. 



Mr. STORRS, (Of Shelby,) 

Has been two years in succession a member of the 
House, and is a gentleman of very fair talents. — 
Though he speaks well, he is by no means trouble- 
some on the floor. When a subject comes up for 
discussion involving any grave principle, or which 
concerns his part of the State, he is very apt to ex- 
press his views firmly and briefly. 

In regard to winding up the Montgomery and 
Huntsville Branch Banks, Mr. Storrs differed from 
most of his whig friends — made a speech against the 
proposition, which was published, and appeared on 
all occasions to vote according to his best judg- 
ment, regardless of party lines. His voice is strong, 
and by proper management, could be made to an- 

11* 



122 MR. TATE. 

swer all the purposes of oratory. Mr. Storrs is a law- 
yer, not exceeding thirty years of age. 



Mr. TATE, (Of Limestone,) 

Has one of the perfectly white heads in the House. 
He is a physician, and belongs to the democratic 
party. What may be his abilities either in commit- 
tee or on the floor, he did not afford any opportuni- 
ty for others to judge, during the session. Once or 
twice he made a few observations, but not enough 
to enable us to say more, than that he appeared quite 
intelligent. While the bill, to compensate Gover- 
nor Clay for his Digest, was pending, Mr. Tate al- 
ways voted for the highest sum, and proposed to 
fill the blank accordingly. We mention this circum- 
stance to show that the member from Limestone 
had generously forgotten the affair he had with 
Gov. Clay, twenty-fiveyears ago, which led to a 
hostile meeting between them, at which Mr. Tate 
was shot in the leg. All enmity has long ceased, 
and their friendship is not less pure toward each 
other, on account of their ancient difficulty. We 
infer that Mr. Tate is fifty-five years of age. 



MR. TURNER. MR. VALLIANT. 123 

Mr. TURNER, (Of Washington,) 

Never trespassed on the attention of the House dur- 
ing the session. He was a quiet, attentive member, 
who introduced the few bills and petitions which re- 
lated to his county affairs, and left the floor to pro- 
fessional talkers. It was his first session, and it may 
be, if he takes his seat again, that he will make some 
attempt to figure in discussion. His appearance is at 
least as indicative of talents as that of many gentlemen 
who kill time in speaking, as if they were sent mere- 
ly to abate it as a nuisance. Mr. Turner is a portly, 
fine looking member, not over twenty-seven years 
of age, a planter, and democrat. 



Mr. VALLIANT, (Of Lawrence,) 

Confined his efforts on the floor to bills which relat- 
ed to the fees of county officers. He seemed to be 
perfectly acquainted with the business of sheriffs, 
and evinced as much anxiety to keep up their emolu- 
ments as if he was in office, or calculated soon to be 
so. As a plain, unprofessional man, he is quite a 
glib speaker, and has fine practical sense. His voice 
is one of the shrillest in the House, and rings like the 
high notes of a fife, with a sort of penetrating quaver. 
Mr. V. has been several years a member, and is 



124 MR. WALKER. 

vigilant in watching what is going on around him. 
He is rising of forty, and is a democrat. The forma- 
tion of his head is said to resemble very much that of 
John Quincy A dams ; perhaps he is not so bald ; but 
the organ of firmness, or obstinacy is, equally as well 
developed. 



Mr. WALKER, (Of Lawrence,) 

Sustains a very favorable position in the House, 
Although a decided democrat, he is not so far duped 
by prejudice as to go the whole length of party 
manoeuvring. His views are generally sound and 
practical ; he has nothing to do with gilded abstrac- 
tions, or circuitous systems of policy. Where he can 
see the bearing of a measure and its positive effect, 
his language is, yea or nay ; but he has never been 
guilty, so far as we know, of advocating, in discus- 
sion, what to him is dark or uncertain. He desires 
light, and his own excellent mind usually affords, on 
patient reflection, the key to solve all his doubts. 
He addresses the House occasionally, but never to a 
tiresome extent, and is always heard with marked 
attention, because he talks to the subject. 

His was among the names mentioned before the 
meeting of the legislature, for the Speaker's chair; 
but the majority settled, in consultation, upon one 
candidate to whom alone they gave their support. 



MR. WARE. 125 

Mr. Walker presides, when temporarily called to the 
chair, with great firmness. He is a good committee 
member, and in all his relations, a most estimable 
gentleman, to which may be added that he is a good 
physician, in the prime of life. 



Mr. WARE, (Of Montgomery,) 

Is admitted to be one of the most sagacious and 
discreet members of the House. In fact, every word 
and thought he utters is full of first rate sense. 
When he has an object in view, he sets it boldly 
before the House, and gives the whole argument in 
a nut-shell, so that before the attention is in the least 
fatigued, the question is laid open in all its parts, as 
with the dissecting knife. He has been two winters 
in the House, and struggled manfully to obtain the 
aid of the State in behalf of the Montgomery and 
West Point Rail Road. At one session he asked for 
the State's guaranty on the bonds of the company to 
a certain amount, to enable the stockholders to com- 
plete the road, and thus render available the capital 
already invested. In this he failed; but never 
despairing, he broached the subject at the late 
session, in a new light ; made it appear that the two 
per cent, fund could be applied by the State, under 
the specific limitations of the act of Congress, in no 
other way than establishing the very line of improve- 



126 MR. WATTS. 

ment of which the road formed an extensive link. 
He ultimately succeeded in getting an act passed, 
loaning to the company $120,000 of that fund, after 
it shall have answered its purpose at the land offices, 
on adequate security to the State. 

Mr. Ware has enlarged views of every thing ; he 
is not cramped or timid in his movements. Perhaps 
he has no superior in the House in public spirit, and 
it was the fewest number that excelled him in busi- 
ness intelligence. His manner of speaking was 
highly agreeable, and his disposition eminently stub- 
born. You might as well undertake to level the 
Andes by a zephyr, as to drive the member from 
Montgomery. Where his judgment and free will 
led, there he would go in spite of the world; further* 
the combined universe could not force him. He is 
a whig and a skillful physician, about forty-five years 
of age. 



Mr. WATTS, (Of Butler,) 

Was rendered conspicuous by the frequency with 
which he occupied the floor, the length and quality 
of his orations, as well as the peculiar manner of his 
delivery. He is a young lawyer of good talents, 
sound information, and a reasonable share of shrewd- 
ness, but a most awful judge of emphasis, and in- 
tonation. After his first speech or two, by which he 



MR. WATTS. 127 

satisfied the House in regard to his eloquence, a ner- 
vous shivering crept over the members whenever he 
rose to his feet and called " Mr. Speaker." We have 
tried to arrive at the secret of these manifestations, 
why such a buzz should pervade the hall, and why 
members should dash to and fro, as if the building 
was on fire, at the precise moment when Mr. Watts 
flashed his glasses full in the face of the Speaker, 
though of course at the proper distance. Our belief 
is, after mature study of the case, that the member 
from Butler has far more intellect than oratory; that 
he has a most incorrigible ear for sweet sounds; that 
the rattling of a tin pan is to him as musical as the 
Eolian harp, and that a cracked voice, vibrating with 
most exquisite discord, is the same in harmony, to 
his taste, as the richest tones of a master of elocu- 
tion. He was fluent, sensible, and his language in 
good taste ; but as for the rest, as a speaker, we refer 
to those who had the pleasure of hearing him. A 
gentleman of his fine promise, one so liberally edu- 
cated, and whose mind is well trained to investiga- 
tion, should lose no time in correcting his errors of 
emphasis on every short word, and dashing at the 
pitch of his octave, through a full hour's speech. If 
Henry Clay were to adopt such a style, his reputa- 
tion could not survive it ten minutes. 

In other respects, Mr. Watts was a valuable mem- 
ber, though he split from his whig associates on the 
bill to accept the distribution fund, made a speech, 
and voted against it. He was a strong advocate of 
the University, and made a handsome effort in de- 
fence of it, when its fund was assailed. His age is 
not exceeding twenty-five. 



128 MR. WHORTON. — MR. WILLIAMS, OF J. 



Mr. WHORTON, (Of Blount,) 

Is a member whom we know, only by seeing his 
name on the roll, and hearing him vote. We could 
never make out his identity. He is a democrat and 
planter. 



Mr. WILLIAMS, (Of Jackson,) 

Commanded very general respect in the House. He 
was in favor of early and late sittings, for business, 
and was the first to propose the rule to that effect, 
which was afterwards adopted, with slight modifica- 
tions. A stay law was also a favorite measure with 
him, and he used all his efforts to have it passed, but 
failed. His remarks were always brief, well timed, 
and explanatory of his object. He had the charac- 
teristics of a modest man, interfered little with the 
business of others, and placidly looked on the pro- 
ceedings of the House, as they either dragged, or 
were despatched, with compound velocity. We 
have had occasion to state, that in the county of 
Jackson, whigs were almost as hard to find as the 
philosopher's stone. Out of about 2,300 voters, there 
are probably fifty whigs. Mr. W. is a planter, ap- 
parently thirty-three or four years of age, of fresh 
and very tender complexion. 



MR. WILLIAMS, OF P. — MR. WINSTON. 129 

Mr. WILLIAMS, (Of Pickens,) 

Had the appearance of being an amiable member, 
somewhat advanced in life. The first, and perhaps 
only time he addressed the House, over a few re- 
marks on presenting bills and petitions, was in an- 
nouncing the death of his respected colleague, 
Mr. Gardner, to which we have alluded in these 
sketches. In a few weeks afterwards, Mr. W. was 
called home by the indisposition of his own family, 
and returned to his seat after he had the affliction to 
lose one of his children, on which sad event he re- 
ceived the sincere condolence of his friends in the 
House. We are not acquainted with any peculiar- 
ities in the public character of the member from 
Picknes. He was uniformly sedate, observant of 
what was going on, and voted with the democratic 
party, to which he belongs. His head is perfectly 
white, which gives him a venerable aspect. He is 
a planter. 



Mr. WINSTON, (Of DeKalb,) 

Is a member of the legal profession, and has several 
winters occupied a seat in the House. He possesses 
plain, strong, every day sense, and knows much 
about the disposition and ideas of the people as a 

12 



130 MR. W1NSTONOF DEKALB. 

mass. When we first knew him, he was engaged 
in some angry scenes on the floor, and from his blunt, 
uncouth and partizan conduct, we were not dispos- 
ed to think very well of him; but seeing more <>{ 
him and witnessing a variety of his efforts and meas- 
ures, we take pleasure in saying, that our first im- 
pressions were unjust. The member from DeKalb, 
furious democrat as he is, and sometimes unneces- 
sarily violent, is in fact a very useful member of the 
House, and worthy of much esteem. He offered 
the joint resolution which was adopted, (see Acts 
224,) to amend the Constitution, so as to give Justices 
of the Peace jurisdiction of sums of one hundred 
dollars, and to make Judges of the county court 
elective by the people. In support of that measure, 
he made a very sensible argument. His style of 
speaking is rather heavy, and deficient in literary 
polish. If his ideas were expressed in the language 
of a smooth, practiced declaimer, they would show 
well. We do not say that the member from De- 
Kalb is unable to possess the attention of the House 
when he addresses it; but he labors under the diffi- 
culty of having only such language at command, as 
admits of very serious improvement for a public as- 
sembly. His reputation is on the increase, and so 
is his personal popularity. He is scarcely of middle 
age, with a round, athletic person. 



MR. WINSTON. OF SUMTER. 131 

Mr. WINSTON, (Of Sumter,) 

Is one of the most successful members at repartee, 
in the House. With a thin, cadaverous, and very 
youthful appearance, he has the voice of a boy, — 
soft, yet distinct. He has great independence of 
character, and lashes his own party with severe 
blows when he believes they do wrong. Some of 
the most racy sparring we have witnessed on the 
floor, has been between the member from Sumter, 
and his fellow democrats. Mr. W. has invariably 
triumphed in all battles of mere wit and scuffling ; 
his resources have never been exhausted, and the 
more he is pressed, the keener his sarcasm. If it 
was agreeable to him to wear more gravity, and to 
confine his remarks to the question, instead of his 
opponents, he would be a very powerful debater. 
His views are entirely original, and strike all with 
such force, that nothing but the appearance of joking 
on his part, keeps them from exerting more influ- 
ence. Whether he rises to a constitutional point, 
or some frivilous bill, the quizzing tones of his voice, 
and his subdued ironical smile, deprive him of 
weight. All like to hear him, because he has hu- 
mor, invective and shrewdness; but the charm is 
entirely lost, from the fact that he does not seem to 
be in earnest, but is only amusing himself to see 
what he could do, if he felt disposed. In many of 
his votes, he rose superior to party, and has secured 
the respect of all his fellow members. Take him 



132 MR. WITHERSPOON. 

as he is, feeble in health, much of his time, and he 
may be called a gifted individual. He is a planter, 
about twenty-seven years of age. 



Mr. WITHERSPOON, (Of Greene,) 

Would be noticed from the lobby or gallery, as one 
of the most intellectual men in the House, upon the 
rules of phrenology. His forehead is high, features 
bold and prominent ; and a figure tall and erect, that 
would command attention any where. With all 
these signs in his favor, he never addressed the 
House more than a word or two, on presenting bills, 
petitions and reports ; yet it was evident, his silence 
was not owing to a want of intelligence. He be- 
longs to that best educated, and best informed of all 
professions in our country — that of medicine ; and 
apart from this presumption of superior attainments 
on his part, Mr. W. had only to converse a few 
words, to show that it was well founded. 

He unites to his medical profession, the income 
of a planter. Mr. W. is a whig, in the meridian of 
life. 



MR. WOODWARD. 133 

Mr. WOODWARD, (Of Sumter,) 

Is a Baptist clergyman, and, as will be seen, the last 
member on the roll. On several occasions, he made 
remarks to the House, chiefly as head of the com- 
mittee on roads, bridges and ferries, to which a great 
many petitions, bills and memorials were referred. 
He is a sound headed planter, with smooth delivery, 
and plain, unpretending language. Whatever busi- 
ness engaged his attention, he reflected upon ma- 
turely, before acting. It is a very dry labor, to ex- 
tend observations about a gentleman, who has no 
towering points of character, and one, too, like the 
respected member from Sumter, whose sacred office 
elsewhere, forbids that we should take liberties with 
him, merely for diversion. We are free to add our 
honest testimony to the uprightness of his walk, the 
kindness and interest of his conversation, and the 
pleasant humor with which he beguiled his social 
hours. Like other clergymen, who have long ad- 
dressed public audiences, he was self-possessed, in- 
structive, and always commanded respectful atten- 
tion in the House, and out of it. He is a democrat 
and a planter, rising fifty years of age. 



We have concluded our sketches of the House of 
Representatives. We shall now begin with the 
Senate. 

12* 



HEADS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 

SENATE. 



The Senate being what is called the upper branch 
of the General Assembly, was perhaps entitled to 
our earliest attention, after we had made up our mind 
to furnish these sketches, but the fact that we were 
best acquainted in the House of Representatives, 
from being reporter there, one extra and the last 
two regular sessions, induced us to begin with that 
body, while our impressions were fresh. Having 
glanced more or less fully at every member of it, 
we now pay our respects to the honorable Senate, in 
the order of the Roll. 



Mr. President TERRY, (Of Limestone,) 

Has in all probability, a wide career before him as 
a politician. He has presided over the Senate the 



136 MR. TERRY. 

last two winters. When we had the best opportu- 
nity of knowing him, he was on the floor at the ses- 
sion of 1840 — 41, during which we occupied a seat 
at the reporter's table in the Senate. The first time 
we heard him, he went to such extravagant lengths, 
in ridicule of the whig party, and indulged in such 
coarse, unusual and unwarranted epithets, that we 
viewed him as only excelling all his comrads in low, 
spiteful and rash persecution of those who differed 
from him in politics. Besides great boldness of 
character, essential to his mode of attack, we soon 
perceived a quick, subtle and active intellect, over- 
shadowed by a despotic and absolute will, that w T as 
more the slave of dark passion, than the ornament 
of a liberal and patriotic mind. He seemed to glory 
in reviling, by every combination of insulting terms, 
his political adversaries, for no other offence than 
merely being such. This was our first opinion ; we 
now regard him in a more favorable light, having 
seen quite an improvement in his character. 

The Senator from Limestone, in spite of a defec- 
tive education, is a good debater. What his lan- 
guage wants in taste, is made up by manner. His 
voice is strong, resonant, and well trained to empha- 
sis ; not that he lays stress at all times correctly, but 
he gives the highest effect to his meaning. This is, 
indeed, the main office of cultivated speech. He is 
occasionally eloquent, without trying to be so, or, 
indeed, without knowing any of the artificial rules 
by which public debaters render themselves agree- 
able to the ear. During the two last winters, we 
have attended very little in the Senate, owing to our 



MR. TERRY. 137 

employment in the other end of the Capitol ; but we 
have learned from some of the whig Senators, whose 
testimony is at least impartial, that Mr. Terry pre- 
sides with great liberality as well as promptness ; 
that he renders justice to his political opponents on 
the floor, in all matters coming under the rules of the 
Senate, and that his courtesy flows from a magnani- 
mous heart whenever he sees others in the act of 
violating the propriety of discussion, or assuming 
what is not strictly decorous. Few men have more 
mental sprightliness, though they may exceed him 
in power. As for diffidence, or that feeling of hu- 
mility which is often the companion of superior abil- 
ities, the President of the Senate has never been 
taught that such a word or sentiment exists. We 
are sure that lie knows as little of it as he does of the 
geography of the moon. He is the leader of his 
party in the Senate, and quits the chair half his time, 
to mingle in debate, or rather to direct the political 
machinery. He turns the crank much better than 
any of the rest. His intrepid address is every thing 
to his cause — his arguments of slight value, for the 
want of system and moderation. 

From his own confessions at a large Temperance 
meeting in this city, about the first of January, on the 
occasion of Col. Lehmanowsky's visit and address on 
that subject, Mr. Terry was addicted to social felicity 
in the retinue of Bacchus, until twelve months ago, 
when he enlisted under the Total Abstinence ban- 
ner. His remarks were those of a patriot and phi- 
lanthropist, in rallying others to his standard, and 
nobly did they respond. We noticed in our columns 



L38 MR. TERRY. 

at the time, this effort of the gallant Senator. For 
the good of our race, we thank him, and so do hun- 
dreds thank him. 

We alluded in the outset, to his prospective career 
in politics. To be brief, as our remarks have already 
taken more space than we can allot to each Senator, 
it is our honest opinion that he aspires to the Execu- 
tive functions, and that, too, by a tenure more per- 
manent than that in virtue of his present office, in 
case of a vacancy. As the majority in the State is 
democratic, Mr. Terry will find a smooth road, com- 
paratively, after the present Governor's second term 
shall have expired, unless the whigs shall have the 
good fortune to replenish their ranks for the conflict. 
In his skirmishes in the Senate last winter, Mr. Terry 
alluded to the possibility of being called, by the spon- 
taneous voice of his fellow-citizens, to the Chief 
Magistracy, and intimated that he would support a 
style of hospitality becoming the office. We have 
no doubt he will ; for he is well known to be a model 
of generous living at home. He is said to be a great 
patron of the turf, and to keep as fine bloods as any 
in the State. The more we examine his qualities, 
blended as they are with much to esteem, and some- 
thing to condemn, we find it difficult to break off 
from the description, incomplete, but frank, as it is. 
We do so, by adding, that he is a wealthy planter, 
close upon forty-five years of age. 



MR. ARRINGTON. 31 R. BAYLOR. 139 

Mr. ARRINGTON, (Of Butler and Pike,) 

Is a new member of the Senate, of whom we know 
nothing except that he sustains the character of a 
sensible and worthy planter, and a whig. 



Mr. BAYLOR, (Of Jefferson and St. Clair,) 

Came into the Senate at the session of 1841-42. 
We never heard him make a speech of any length, 
although he has, perhaps, occupied more time in that 
way than any member on the floor. He offered the 
famous resolutions which were adopted, stigmatizing 
the distribution and its supporters by so many hard 
names. No prominent question has been agitated in 
the Senate during the last two winters, in which lie 
did not probably take an able part, for he is said to 
be a very able man and a strong debater. On this 
subject, we have to rely on the opinion of others, 
which we have reason to believe is correct. Mr. 
Baylor is said to possess very superior literary and 
scientific attainments, and to be something of an 
astronomer. We have no cause to doubt the report. 
He is a brother to the Hon. Robert E. B. Baylor, 
who formerly represented this State in Congress, and 
is now Judge of the Circuit Court in Texas, and a 
very pious, eloquent Baptist minister. 



140 MR. BRINDLEY. MR. BUDFORD. 

The Senator from Jefferson is a lawyer of high 
standing, an ultra democrat, and is perhaps forty- 
three years of age. 



xMr. BRINDLEY, (Of Blount and Marshall,) 

Became a member since we reported in the Senate. 
We have seen remarks published, with his name at 
the head, as having been delivered by him, though 
we have never heard criticism, praise or censure 
bestowed upon the gentleman, or any of his efforts. 
He looks fresh and jolly, is a democrat and planter, 
not far under half a century in this chequered world. 
Of our own knowledge we can say nothing, only as 
to his personal appearance. 



Mr. BUDFORD, (Of Barbour and Russell,) 

Is a member of the bar in successful practice. He 
has been in the Senate the last three winters at. 
least, during which time we have known him. At 
the sesssion of 1840-41, we heard many of his efforts 
on the floor, and witnessed his peculiarities. View- 
ed as a whole, he is one of the most extraordinary 
men we know. That he has genius of the mercu- 



MR. BUFORD. 141 

rial order — sudden, bright, tempestuous, daring, er- 
ratic, — all must admit who have looked into his 
character. It was never our fortune to hear him, in 
remarks of much length, without his kindling into a 
perfect rage. His temperament is glowing and sen- 
sitive. No man crosses his path, in a hostile guise, 
without feeling the arrow sped from the sarcasm or 
passion of the Senator from Barbour. Whenever he 
undertook to assert opinions, or defend his rights, no 
earthly arm could stop him. The tornado is the 
only agent of nature to which he is comparable. 
Like that fierce besom, he would soon exhaust his 
violence, and become as gentle as spring. 

This is one aspect in which Mr. B. may be con- 
sidered. Perhaps he is as willing as his friends to 
regret it. However it may detract from the calm- 
ness and gravity of the Senate Chamber, it inflicts 
no stain upon his personal reputation. We do not 
think he is vindictive after the cause of excitement 
has passed away; we rather incline to the belief 
that he is noble and forgiving in his resentments. 
He usually prepares himself well on a question, and 
many of his authorities and expositions show a pro- 
fundity which would do credit to a much older head. 
His scholarship is a little eccentric ; some of his sen- 
tences are unlike any we ever read, — but still they 
are only in keeping with their author, — purely ori- 
ginal. When he lays hold of a subject, he never 
lets it go, until he brings out of it merits or objec- 
tions that would have escaped all other minds. Had 
we space, we could enumerate several instances of 
the kind. 

13 



143 MR. CREIGH. 

As a mere speaker, Mr. Biiford belongs to no par- 
ticular school. He has a clear, penetrating voice, 
at times quite soft and silvery, and then again harsh. 
His action is earnest without extravagance, and a 
little tremulous from emotion. To sum up his qual- 
ities, we have only to say that he is warm-hearted, 
chivalrous and intelligent — with rather too much 
passion. In the course of time, perhaps not distant 
either, he will stand among the very prominent men 
of his section, if not throughout the entire State. 
His age does not apparently exceed thirty-five ; his 
politics, whig. 



Mr. CREAGH, 

(Of Clarke, Baldwin, and Washington,) 

Is a most exemplary Senator. He is highly respect- 
ed in all the relations of life, and has served his 
country in the field. Occasionally he addressed the 
Senate, never long, and is always at the post of duty. 
He is sedate, courteous, and well informed ; is a de- 
mocrat, but pursues the course he believes to be 
right, even if it should take him from the crowd oi 
his party. Confining our remarks to his public char- 
acter, we have nothing else specially to add. It has 
been more than two years since we have attended 
the sittings of the Senate, except a few minutes at a 
time, and of course cannot say whether Mr. Creagh 



MR. DAILEY. 143 

is as brief in debate now as formerly. He is a plan- 
ter, a little on the waning side of the meridian of 
life. 



Mr. DAILEY, (of Macon and Tallapoosa,) 

Though a very mild and agreeable Senator, has no 
disposition to keep silent too long, either on the floor 
or in print, lest he should be suspected of having no- 
thing to say ; a crime which, in his own estimation, 
would forfeit the confidence of those he served. 
Hence, he often solicits the attention of the Senate, 
in his own way, and then grants the public an oppor- 
tunity to judge of the soundness of his views. We 
recollect to have perused two or three published 
speeches of the Senator, and also to have bestowed 
some attention on their drift and reasoning, but did 
not succeed in the search for either. The Senator 
has, no doubt, his own guides, — but he is more than 
parsimonious in affording others the benefit of them, 
even after he has gone to the trouble of expending 
his breath at "Mr. President," and of writing out his 
observations in the silence of the closet. The fact 
is, Mr. Dailey imagined he was deeper in the ques- 
tions on which he spoke, and that he possessed the 
tact of presenting them in a much clearer light, than 
he really proved, on experiment. But this error 
was not at all discreditable to his good feelings, nor 



144 MR. DENT. 

to the amiability of his character. For these he was 
highly esteemed. His course appeared to us, the 
winter we had a seat in the area of the Senate 
Chamber to note proceedings, that Mr. D. generally 
aimed to find the middle ground on any question, 
and there stop to harangue. If called upon to say 
what were the predominant indications of his mind, 
we should answer, to the best of our knowledge, 
hearsay and belief, that innocent purposes, backed 
by a tall conviction in his own favor, constituted his 
chief merit. In politics he is rather inclined to de- 
mocracy, with no binding allegiance to any party. 
He is a physician, and also a clergyman of the Meth- 
odist Church, upwards of forty years of age. 



Mr. DENT, (Of Tuskaloosa,) 

Has been long in public life, and has acted conspicu- 
ously in the defence of his country. His judgment 
is very sound, his principles firm, and his course 
open, manly and conciliating. He has made some 
very fine talks in the Senate, replete with patriotic 
ardor and strong reasoning. Great deference is al- 
ways paid to him, not only on account of the intrinsic 
value of his opinions, but for the suavity and deco- 
rum with which he acts towards all who oppose him 
in discussion. Whenever he inclines to humor, he 
has a fund so playful, yet biting, that he never fails 



MR. FLEMING. 145 

to shake the gravity of his brother Senators. He 
alone has the art or the power to worst the Senator 
from Limestone, when he mounts his war-hobby, 
and charges rough-shod over all who happen to be 
in his path. Mr. Dent manifests, and no doubt feels, 
great personal kindness toward the presiding officer 
of the Senate ; but when the latter comes to the floor 
to rally his party troops, and to direct their move- 
ments, he finds his retreat very often cut off by Mr. 
D., and either surrenders with grace, to a gallant 
adversary, or stalks back to the chair to survey the 
battle ground, and plan better the next time. 

Mr. Dent has been usually at the head of the 
bank committee, and is well acquained with finance. 
His experience in the Legislature runs back to many 
interesting events and public men, and if we desired 
to collect materials in relation to measures and par- 
ties years back, we should apply to Mr. D. among 
the first, for information. He is a planter and whig, 
about forty-five years of age. 



Mr. FLEMING, (Of Madison,) 

Came into the Senate last winter ; and owing to the 
fact that we were occupied as Reporter in the other 
end of the Capitol, during the whole session, we never 
had the pleasure of hearing the Senator from Madi- 
son. We have seen a few of his remarks in print, 
13* 



146 MR. FOSTER. 

from the hands of the Reporters, which were very 
sensible. He is a democrat and planter, perhaps fifty 
years of age. 



Mr. FOSTER, (Of Cherokee and DeKalb,) 

Has been two winters in the Senate, and is an ex- 
cellent member. Though we are not sure that he 
ever belonged to, or prepared himself for, the legal 
profession, he has displayed a considerable know- 
ledge of the statutes of an adjoining State, in his 
Digest published some twelve years ago, when he 
resided in Columbia county, Georgia. " Foster's 
Digest" was a continuation of Prince, from 1820 to 
1830, and was regarded as a good work. Since Mr. 
Foster has been in the Senate, our opportunity to 
know his powers in debate, if indeed he has thought 
proper to engage in discussion at all, has been very 
limited, for reasons to which we have just alluded 
in the preceding sketch. One circumstance, when 
the two Houses were engaged in joint ballot at the 
last session, reminded us so much of Georgia attach- 
ments, that we relate it : 

Mr. Foster announced his old friend, the Hon. John 
A. Cuthbert, (who, upwards of twenty years ago, 
was a member of Congress,) as a candidate forjudge 
of the county court of Mobile. The first eight bal- 
lotings, Mr. Cuthbert received from thirteen to eleven 



MR. HALL. 147 

votes, the latter number four times in succession ; 
after that he began to rise, and at the thirteenth 
balloting received sixty-six votes, which elected 
him. All this time Mr. Cuthbert was in the gallery, 
calm and fixed as a statue, and heard the result an- 
nounced without appearing to know it. There was 
great competition for the office ; the salary is indeed 
better than the circuit bench, under the late reduc- 
tion. Several of Mr. Foster's friends expressed their 
surprise why he did not withdraw his candidate, 
after so much low running. His reply was, he knew 
his nag had good bottom, and would come out fore- 
most after so many broken heats. Sure enough it 
proved so. Mr. Foster was highly gratified, together 
with the many personal friends of Mr. Cuthbert, 
among whom was Mr. Pettit, of Barbour, (an old 
Georgian,) who voted for him each time. 

We have only to say that Mr. Foster has sound 
abilities, is a liberal democrat, and a planter, about 
forty-seven years of age. 



Mr. HALL, (Of Autauga and Coosa,) 

Resigned his seat near the middle of the session* on 
the ground, we understood, that his private affairs 
demanded the sacrifice. At the session of 1840, he 
stood high in the democratic ranks, and was a tolera- 
bly good speaker. There was a great deal of the 



148 MR. HUDSON. 

pure swagger in his ways, and a most untiring hos- 
tility to the whigs. He had the advantages of per- 
son, voice and address for an orator ; but lie always 
preferred to let his sentiments down to a level wiiich 
deprived him of the sympathy, and, we may add, the 
respect of generous minds. We have no desire to 
enlarge upon the career of the Senator from Autau- 
ga, who, in his retirement, does not present a suita- 
ble case for a more definite outline. He is a planter, 
just in the prime of life. 



Mr. HUDSON, (Of Franklin,) 

Has, we believe, been fifteen years in succession a 
member of the Senate. He is always at the head of 
the committee on accounts, in which capacity he 
performs immense labor, and makes it a rule to re- 
port in favor of no claim unless it has both law and 
justice to support it, or has been certified by the 
Comptroller to be correct. His long service has 
made him perfectly familiar with the rules of the 
Senate, and with parliamentary law in general. 
Whenever a difficulty occurs in points of order, the 
Senator from Franklin is apt to be called upon, by 
the President, to say what is the practice. There is 
no dubt he would make an excellent presiding offi- 
cer; but as he is so valuable on the floor, and so 
industrious in all the duties confided to him, it is 



MR. HUDSON. 149 

perhaps thought best to let him remain as a business 
member. We think it probable he has made more 
motions, explanations and suggestions during the 
fifteen years he has been in the Senate, than any 
other man ever did in his life time. Unless the floor 
is occupied in debate, we hardly think five minutes 
ever elapse without his being on his legs, either talk- 
ing to the question or pointing out some irregularity. 
His remarks seldom extend beyond two or three 
minutes. An argument, requiring time, is what the 
Senator abhors most of all legislative sins. If the one 
hundred and thirty-two members, besides the Sena- 
tor from Franklin, who compose the General Assem- 
bly, were as active and determined as Mr. Hudson, 
and had an equal dislike to long speeches, the same 
amount of business which it now takes two months 
to transact, could be accomplished in three weeks. 

As to pride of display or ornament, the Senator 
from Franklin is entirely guiltless. His voice is thin, 
feeble and without melody. It tumbles from his lips 
as if he did not care a straw about it. Should the 
taste of persons lead them into the lobby of the 
Senate, to have their nerves exhilarated by captiva- 
ting sounds, they have no occasion to be present 
when Mr. Hudson sets his vocal apparatus in motion, 
though, as we have stated, it rarely happens that it 
is not at work every interval of a few minutes, during 
the business hours of the Senate. Of his talents and 
general information, they are respectable without 
excess. As a clever, upright and well disposed 
citizen, we have no superior in our mind to place 
before him. He is a democrat, touched, in years 



150 MR. HUNTER. 

past, with conservatism, and gave in his adherence, 
the same moon Mr. Tazewell, of Virginia, did, to 
Mr. Van Bnren. Mr. Hudson is a planter, not un- 
der forty-five years of age, though rather young 
looking. 



Mr. HUNTER, (Of Lowndes,) 

Stands on a solitary pre-eminence in the Senate, for 
smooth, animated, rich, extemporaneous eloquence. 
Nor is he at all behind, in solid, cogent, and sustain- 
ed reasoning on a question. His mind is competent 
to the severest analysis, and he follows the bearing of 
a proposition through all its sinuosities, sifting the 
gold from the dross with skillful exactness. The 
senator from Lowndes has long been prominent, first 
at the bar, then on the bench of the Circuit Court, 
and lastly, in political life, with bright and increas- 
ing reputation. In 1836, he was an elector for Pre- 
sident, and gave his vote to Mr. Van Buren. When 
the Sub-Treasury scheme was recommended to Con- 
gress, at the extra session in September, 1837, Mr. 
Hunter, honestly disapproving that measure, came 
out firmly against it, which, of course, dissolved his 
connexion with the Van Buren party. At the Whig 
Convention, held in the city of Tuskaloosa, June, 
1840, he was elected President of that numerous and 
very intelligent body. It is well known that from 



MR. HUNTER. 151 

the day of that Convention, the Whig cause began 
to assume a cheering aspect in the south-west, and 
its proceedings caused quite a sensation in other 
States, and particularly at the city of Washington, 
where Congress was then in session. The Whigs 
throughout the Union, felt new energy infused into 
them by this spirited assemblage, in a quarter known 
to be overshadowed and ridden by Democracy. We 
have taken this glance, merely to show the high re- 
gard in which the political integrity of Mr. Hunter 
was held by the Whigs of Alabama, in abandoning 
the majority, at the known sacrifice of the prefer- 
ment which awaited him at their hands. 

We have condensed, briefly, the characteristics of 
the senator from Lowndes ; and even if we under- 
took to be more precise, we are not sure that we 
could aiford a correct idea of him. As to his style of 
speaking, we have only to say that it is copied from 
no model — it is purely his own, and very effective. 
Of language he has a copious supply, — chaste, nerv- 
ous and brilliant. It shows to most advantage in de- 
livery. From the fact that it is exceedingly rapid, 
Reporters find it difficult to keep pace with him ; and 
and as the inspiration of his mind, in debate, is lost 
in the closet, he cannot do himself justice, by writing 
out his own speeches, afterwards, for the press. 

There is another light in which it is agreeable to 
view the distinguished senator from Lowndes. He 
is one of the most courteous and conciliating gentle- 
men in debate we have ever seen. What is due to 
honorable minds, and delicacy of feeling, is never 
violated, never withheld, except when aggressions 



152 MR. JONES. 

are first made on him. Then, his rebuke is abso- 
lutely withering. The situation of that man is to be 
little envied, who provokes, by illiberality, the sar- 
casm of Mr. Hunter. In his common deportment, 
he appears a little haughty, which has given rise to 
the opinion among some not well acquainted with 
him, that he is cold and aristocratic ; but we are as- 
sured by gentlemen who have studied him intimate- 
ly, that such is not his disposition. To his profes- 
sional income, he adds that of an extensive planter. 
He is probably a little over forty years of age. 



Mr. JONES, (Of Sumter,) 

Deserves special mention. He came into the Sen- 
ate, 1840, and of course his term will expire on the 
first Monday in August. It would not be doing him 
justice, to say that his intellectual calibre is small, 
nor would it be candid on our part, to insist that it is 
of very huge extent. His public character has not 
been a passive one ; nor in the least so retiring, as to 
call for marked indulgence. Were we influenced 
by his example in debate, we should portray him 
in terms so animated, and so full of wrath, that we 
should jeopard the coolness of our temper, if not the 
fidelity of our sketches. Mr. Jones has great facility 
of language, and of enunciation. His voice is very 
agreeable, smoth and distinct, and his words flow in 



MR. JONES. 153 

such a continuous stream, and with such little labor 
of reflection, that we may well apply to him the re- 
mark used page 30 of the sketches of the House of 
Representatives, that his fluency is so great, and so 
devoid of mental effort — so connected with the lips, 
as to weaken the impressions of the hearer, in favor 
of his talents. It is often the case, that public 
speakers fail to be appreciated, for the want of ready 
language and good voice ; but in case of the senator 
from Sumter, his flippancy seems at the expense of a 
more essential gift, and is, so far, a misfortune. 

Should we stop here, Mr. Jones would not be fair- 
ly treated by our pencil. We can truly say, that at 
times, he has impressed us with a high opinion of his 
abilities. Dexterous, headlong and passionate in 
discussion, he has proved himself acquainted with 
his subjects, and occasionally goes to their depth. 
His mind is elastic and fertile — always equipped for 
battle, and always violent — never calm, never for- 
bearing. He has, in great perfection, a kind of affi- 
davit zeal, which excludes the possibility of error in 
his course. If other senators would suspend their 
faculties of thought, for the time being, Mr. J. would 
be certain of victory. Without such dispensation, 
he has to abide his chances. In the main, the sen- 
ator from Sumter possesses more than ordinary tal- 
ents, and these too, of a kind that will command 
success. For many years, he has been a Methodist 
clergyman, and still retaining this character, he has 
lately joined to it, that of attorney and counsellor at 
law. His age, we presume, is a little under forty. 

14 



154 MR. KING. 

Mr. KING, (Of Pickens,) 

Has much experience in the Legislature, and is 
highly respected for his good sense and disposition. 
He makes what would he called any where, a fair 
speech, though he aims at no pomp or pride of dis- 
play. The every day affairs and interests of life, 
have received much of his attention, and he knows 
what measures promise the most benefit, and to these 
he gives his hearty support. His judgment is very 
much relied on, in the Senate, for the soundness of 
its conclusions, and he is generally found a safe ad- 
viser. The senator from Pickens is an interesting 
speaker ; he is plain, direct, candid and zealous in 
discussion, utterly discarding all tinsel ornament, and 
faces the question boldly and practically. He has 
no interminable web of theories, or hair drawn ab- 
stractions, by which to give himself the air of a pro- 
found statesman. The path of duty is pursued with 
firm step, and he turns neither to one side nor the 
other to make bargains. If the measure he supports, 
deserves success, he trusts it on that ground ; and if 
it do not, he submits with all deference to the over- 
ruling action of his peers. 

During the last two winters, we have not been an 
eye witness of the proceedings of the Senate, and 
of course our recollections of Mr. King, are not so 
vivid, as if we had been a spectator all the time, as 
in 1840. Mr. King is a physician, whig and planter, 
little past the noon of life. 



MR. m'allister. — mr.m'clanahan. 155 

Mr. McAllister, 

(Of Henry, Covington and Dale,) 

Has never, within our knowledge, addressed the 
Senate. He was formerly at the head of the com- 
mittee on Indian expenditures, which was a post of 
labor, when accounts poured in for losses and claims 
growing out of the Creek War of 1836. The sen- 
ator from Henry has no traits of character on which 
we could seize for a picture. We never heard any 
thing to his prejudice, nor did we ever have the 
pleasure of listening to an extravagant eulogy on 
him. It seems to have been his quiet fortune, not 
to make enemies, nor to excite admiration in his 
friends. He appeared quite attentive to his public 
duties, and we have no doubt, was efficient to the 
utmost of his power. He has the most youthful look 
of any of the thirty-three senators, and is perhaps 
not exceeding thirty years of age, a democrat and 
planter. 



Mr. McCLANAHAN, (Of Morgan and Walker.) 

Has been some dozen years in public life. He ex- 
changed seats, from the lower to the upper House, 
about the time we did that of reporter, and conse- 
quently, it has not been in our power to know much 



156 mr. m'connell. 

about him. He is regarded as a sensible member, 
and one that is often consulted on matters of which 
his great experience makes him cognizant. Occa- 
sionally he takes the floor, and always confines him- 
self to the question ; but as to his style or manner, 
we have seen so little, that we have no right to 
speak. We judge, however, that it is not far above 
mediocrity. He belongs to that great hive of North 
Alabama politicians, who swarm so plentifully on the 
first Monday in August every year, and devour all 
the public honey. Mr. McC. is a planter, marching 
towards fifty. 



Mr. McCONNELL, (Of Talladega,) 

Is by no means so tame or insipid a character, that 
nothing can be made of him in the way of sketch. 
We venture to say, what all who know him will 
sanction, that the fewest number of men rival the 
extraordinary qualities with which he is endowed. 
Of the many hundred whom it has been our fortune 
to meet, in various situations, public and private, we 
do not recollect that we have ever seen the match of 
the senator from Talladega. Nature cast him in one 
of her mightiest moulds, both as to capacity and spirit; 
and had a suitable direction been given to his pow- 
ers, it is difficult to conceive what distinction was 
too great for his mastery. Genius, to solve by intu- 



MR. m'connell. 157 

ition, what would require the process of reasoning in 
others to grasp ; a strong, common sense application 
of facts ; an ardor of feeling which invested all his 
movements with the air of sincerity ; a quickness of 
perception that suffered nothing to escape, of which 
it was his interest to take advantage in argument ; 
and to crown all, a force of resolntion which no diffi- 
culty could thwart, and a physical courage, which no 
danger could appal. These are the elements on 
which we base the declaration that the senator from 
Talladega was so highly gifted by nature. That he 
has failed to do himself justice, and to realize the 
extent of his abilities, may be asserted by those who 
have the kindest feelings towards him, and who 
would be the last to do him an injury. We are much 
deceived in his frankness of character, if he is not 
the first to admit it. Whatever the case, he is not 
alone in the want of early opportunities for improve- 
ment, nor is he solitary in the neglect of those men- 
tal stores, which, under other auspices, might have 
led to the highest stations. 

But, we witnessed scenes on the floor, in which 
the senator from Talladega was chief actor, at the 
session of 1840, when political excitement was very 
high, that did him no very great credit. His wit 
was employed like the tomahawk of a savage, and 
with just about as much reflection or humanity. It 
was not clad in so fine a dress as to elude dull compre- 
hension, or to excite applause for its delicacy. There 
was a kind of meat axe ferocity in the style and tem- 
per of the senator, very little calculated to make 
him a model for the imitation of young public speak 



14 



# 



153 MR. m'connell. 

ers, where fame, worth having, was to be acquired. 
Thiswas the course of the senator, as it appeared to 
us at that session. We take pleasure in saying, that a 
happy change has since taken place in the charac- 
ter of his efforts on the floor ; and we now regard 
Mr. McConnell, as particularly decorous and inter- 
esting in discussion. True, he has not shaken off 
entirely, a native bluntness and freedom of expres- 
sion which some tastes might regard as objectiona- 
ble ; but instead of offending, it really gives quaint- 
ness and vigor to his eccentricities. 

Whatever foibles the senator from Talladega may 
have had in times past, he now stands proudly erect, 
exhibiting the fruits of a generous nature, bent on 
the good of his fellow men. At the great temper- 
ance meeting in this city, about the first of the pre- 
sent year, when the last survivor of Napoleon's army 
in Egypt, the gallant Col. Lehmanowsky, addressed 
the public in favor of total abstinence, Mr. McCon- 
nell thrilled the audience by an allusion to his own 
course, and the bitter consequence of the fiery drink. 
On that occasion, he was truly eloquent ; there was 
a deep and sincere pathos, that filled every bosom 
with emotion. He proposed that a State Temper- 
ance Society be formed forthwith, which was done 
by acclamation. The President of the Senate took 
an active part in behalf of the measure, and many 
distinguished gentlemen in this city, as well as from 
a distance, .subscribed to it. 

In point of style, we much prefer anticipating what 
shall follow, than to describe the past, in the history 
of the senator from Talladega. We merely take his 



MR. m'vay. 159 

own evidence for the remark, that he has just en~ 
tered a new field, where his faculties will have full 
scope ; and as he is in the prime of life, with a strong 
intellect, great knowledge of mankind, and a most 
agreeable address, we look forward to the time 
when, faithful to himself, he will be quite a public 
favorite, and highly useful to the community. He is 
a member of the legal profession, and a democrat. 



Mr. McVAY, (Of Lauderdale,) 

Is a venerable patriarch, distinguished for long and 
faithful public services. In June, 1837, when Gov, 
Clay resigned, Mr. McV., in virtue of his office as Pres- 
ident of the Senate, discharged the duties of the Exe- 
cutive until the inauguration of Gov. Bagby, in Nov. 
He was one of the signers of the State Constitution, 
in 1819, and has been much of the time since en- 
gaged in public life. Perhaps no man has enjoyed, 
in a higher degree, the confidence of the people. 
Amidst all the changes and distractions in political 
life, the virtuous senator from Lauderdale has main- 
tained unshaken ground. His snow white locks, and 
grave, honest physiognomy, are almost the first object 
in the Senate to draw the attention of the spectator. 
Since we have known him, within the last few years, 
he has not occupied the floor very frequently ; and 
what few times we have had the pleasure of listen- 



160 MR. m'vay. 

ing to him, he was very brief. His remarks against 
the general ticket bill at the session of 1840, when 
he differed almost alone from his party in the Senate, 
were the most extended of any we ever heard him 
make. At other times, we have known him to ad- 
dress the Senate a few minutes, always with fine 
sense, and a spirit of candor which secured the hom- 
age of all, even if it failed to control the action of 
the body of which he was a member. 

If interrogated as to the abilities of the venerable 
senator from Lauderdale, we should answer that 
they are moderate. His enviable reputation has not 
been gained by the strength of his talents, but by a 
consistent, honorable, straight-forward line of con- 
duct in all things, political as well as private. He is 
affable to young men who seek his acquaintance, and 
converses with that familiar ease and frankness which 
is the ornament of age. Democrats and whigs alike 
honor him — all pay him that attention and deference 
so eminently due his character. He is a democrat 
of the Jefferson school, without assenting to all that 
the present boasted followers of that great statesman 
choose to proclaim on his authority. Mr. McVay is 
seventy years of age, and a planter of extensive 
means. 



MR. MOORES. 161 

Mr. MOORES, (Of Marengo,) 

Came into the Senate at the last session, passing 
from the other branch, of which he had been a mem- 
ber several years, and where we gained our know- 
ledge of his abilities. He is alike profound and in- 
genious in debate ; possesses a fine delivery, and a 
great stock of language. On questions of minor im- 
portance he says nothing, unless they relate especially 
to his constituents ; but he makes it a rule to take 
part in discussions involving general principles ; and 
we can safely aver that he always gives trouble to 
his opponents, by the force of his reasoning, and the 
keenness of his thrusts. Indeed, the senator from 
Marengo is one of the strong holds of his party. His 
extensive reading of political works, documents and 
essays of every kind, and his fine powers of discrim- 
ination, enable him to furnish such a quantity of light 
on whatever topic may engage his thoughts, or may 
come before the Senate, that he is always fresh, cap- 
tivating and instructive. He has no small portion of 
irony, and is uniformly successful in exposing the 
weakness of an adversary's position. 

When the shrill voice of the senator from Maren- 
go is heard to address "Mr. President," there is gen- 
erally an anxious silence in the chamber, as all know 
something is to come a little out of the ordinary 
routine of speeches. He has great self-possession 
and tact ; his mental vision looks far ahead into the 
subject, and he threads along with a bold, independ- 
ent carelessness, as if he asked no favors. If he finds 



162 MR. OLIVER. 

there is a pre-judgment in the majority which it is 
useless to address, he turns upon them a flaming 
catalogue of their political offences, and adds one 
more by way of finishing touch. This done, he 
threatens an appeal to the good sense and integrity 
of the people for redress of evils, at the ballot box. 
Though very caustic when there is necessity for it, 
Mr. Moores is circumspect and tender toward the 
feelings of those he encounters in debate. Should 
his own be disregarded, he is seldom unavenged by 
that needle-pointed satire which he knows so well 
how to employ. His mind appears always absorbed 
in reflection, though he is not wanting in cheerful 
and courteous sociability. Mr. Moores is a physi- 
cian, planter and whig, not exceeding forty years of 
age. 



Mr. OLIVER, (Of Montgomery,) 

Combines the double character of statesman and 
poet. His mind is a perfect laboratory of the exact 
sciences, a ware-room of historic lore, a temple for 
the graces, and a cabinet of political truths. With 
all these resources, it could not well be otherwise than 
that he should be unlike nine-tenths of the crowd, 
as they appear on the great stage of action. Such, 
in fact, he is ; and what seems almost incredible, the 
senator from Montgomery has an active, rich imagi- 



MR. OLIVER. 163 

nation, capable of producing wonderful beauty, 
while his judgment is of the soundest and most prac- 
tical order. There is more of the lover of letters, 
and of the maxims of every day life, mellowed into 
consistency in Mr. Oliver, than in almost any gen- 
tleman of our acquaintance. He has the modes of 
thought and ripe diction of the scholar ; the warm, 
generous impulses of the poet ; the enlarged views 
of the statesman ; the cautious policy of the finan- 
cier, and the address of one who sets no common 
value on society. To these may be added, the oc- 
casional sternness of the philosopher, and the humor 
of the multitude. When such a contrariety of dis- 
positions and tastes unite in the same man, he is not 
of the ordinary mould. We do not venture to say 
that any of these exist in as much perfection in the 
senator from Montgomery, as if one trait of many had 
ruled the rest as their master. But, blended to- 
gether as they are, in no very subdued strength, the 
instance is remarkable. 

It is proper that we should say a few words of Mr. 
Oliver, as he appears on the floor of the Senate. — 
His delivery is rapid without confusion, though not 
by any means equal in effect to his matter. There 
is a deficiency of explosive force, a dryness about the 
lips, a hurried action of the breath, as if the press of 
words was so great that they would run riot unless 
pitched out on short notice. Yet, some passages 
come forth brilliantly enough to redeem all defects, 
and keep up the attention of the hearer. It is gen- 
erally the case, that studious men, like the senator 
from Montgomery, injure their voice by cramping 



164 MR. PHI LL I PS. 

the chest; and we think from the volume and 
strength of Mr. Oliver's voice, it is capable of very 
line expression, if a tythe of the pains were taken 
with it that he bestows on the operations of his mind. 
Considering that he is not without ambition, as a 
public speaker, and possessing, as he does, the main 
essentials of oratory, it is singular that he has not 
modulated and trained his voice so as to give it great- 
er smoothness and harmony. His action is good, 
and his speeches are at all times interesting. 

In the body, of which he has long been a mem- 
ber, Mr. Oliver ranks deservedly high. He is firm 
as the hills in his political convictions ; nothing can 
shake him after he has investigated a question, and 
made up his mind. The opinions of others he sel- 
dom takes on trust ; he much prefers his own judg- 
ment, which rarely deceives him. He has so much 
suavity and kindness in his manners, that he is be- 
loved by all who know him, without distinction of 
party. Besides being a physician, he is a planter of 
large possessions, and is also a whig, not far from for- 
ty years of age. 



Mr. PHILLIPS, (Of Dallas,) 

Has established a high reputation for abilities. He 
has been several years in the Senate, (and previous- 
ly in the House of Representatives,) and has always 



MR. PHILLIPS. 165 

maintained a prominent position among the mem- 
bers of either branch. In debate, he is solid, pene- 
trating and satirical, — playful, without coarseness, 
and warlike without passion. He has a most pro- 
voking coolness of manner when he comes down 
upon an adversary, and lacerates with as much gen- 
tleness as if soothing love's affliction. Nothing can 
be more annoying to an opponent, than the savage 
deliberation with which the senator from Dallas sets 
to work, cutting up by the roots, inch after inch, and 
step by step, the argument to which he replies. He 
has the faculty of exhibiting its bearing in such a bold, 
ludicrous light, that it seems very often as if the au- 
thor of it had been peculiarly unguarded, and would 
feign take back, if not ashamed to do so, what ap- 
pears so faulty. We have listened to Mr. Phillips 
as he took up every proposition in the speech of an 
opponent, and with his strong intellectual cleaver, 
hewed it to pieces, as if for amusement. 

We are clearly of opinion that the senator from 
Dallas is always on the lookout, in his seat, and that 
he makes it his special business to note down, if not 
on paper, at least in his memory, whatever slips, or 
strong points are made on the side opposed to him 
in discussion, of all which he makes the best use 
when it comes to his turn. No quantity of fustian 
can mislead his mind. The mariner's needle is not 
truer to the north pole, than the senator is to storm 
an unprotected part of his adversary's fortification, 
and what is equally true to demolish it. 

The speeches of Mr. Phillips have nothing of the 
florid cast of those of his Irish name-sake ; but in- 

14 



166 MR. REESE. 

finitely more argument. They are nervous, com- 
pact, and, many of them, unanswerable. The sena- 
tor from Dallas never manifests any fondness for fine 
talking ; but he has the strongest sort of fancy for co- 
gent reasoning — an exercise to which he is much 
addicted. His style is free from affectation ; his 
voice has power enough to he heard distinctly 
throughout the Senate chamber, and its tones have a 
quizzical mischief in them, which show he is more 
at home in drubbing an adversary with the cruel 
weapons we have before described, than in appeal- 
ing to the passions. 

Mr. Phillips is a member of the bar, also a planter 
and whig, not much short of forty years. 



Mr. REESE, (Of Chambers and Randolph,) 

Succeeded his brother, the Hon. George Reese, at 
the last session, from the senatorial district, and con- 
sequently it has not been in our power to hear him 
on the floor. He is a lawyer of first rate business 
habits, and very great intelligence. His published 
speeches are not deficient in composition or argu- 
ment ; and from appearances we feel authorized in 
saying that the young senator from Chambers, should 
he think proper to continue in public life, and his 
wishes should be endorsed by his constituents, will 
attain quite a distinguished rank among the law- 



MR. RODGERS. 167 

makers of the State. His address is that of an ac- 
complished gentlemen ; he is a whig. 



Mr. RODGERS, (Of Lawrence,) 

Is by far the most unpromising and hopeless subject 
that has come under review during these sketches. 
It is very difficult to hunt up bright spots in his legis- 
lative character. Of intellect, he has no surplus for 
a neighbor short of that article. If the senator from 
Lawrence has ever been suspected of possessing more 
than would enable him to squeeze through the crowd, 
without remark, we are not aware of it. From the 
specimens we have seen, or rather from the want of 
specimens, we reluctantly conclude that he has no 
burthen of the kind to press on his thick, brawny 
shoulders. At the session of 1840, he never opened 
his lips in his place, that we ever knew, except to 
vote, and even in that difficulty he was aided by the 
example of a very business-like senator, several 
names higher on the roll than his own. 

Thus circumstanced, the senator from Lawrence 
cannot be spun, by any process of description, into a 
character fit to adorn the annals of the republic. It 
is probable that if he had the selection of a place in 
which his portrait should be exhibited, he would 
choose a pastry-cook-shop, for reasons quite apparent 
to all who have seen his figure, and noted his indif- 



168 MR. RODGERS. 

ference to every thing like mental exertion. There 
is, however, one redeeming trait in Mr. Rodgers. — 
While other senators were understood to be devis- 
ing plans to advance their political parties, and per- 
haps encroaching on the hours of rest to mature 
them, he was never accused, directly nor indirectly, 
nor even suspected, of originating any scheme of the 
kind. If the senator from Lawrence lost no sleep in 
hatching party tactics, that is no reason why it should 
be inferred that he slept more than other public ser- 
vants. Nothing can be less complimentary than to 
say of a grave and potent senator, that he passes too 
much of his time in the arms of Morpheus. 

From what we have said, it is unnecessary to 
assure our readers, that the senator from Lawrence 
has no fellow feeling for the learned professions, nor 
are we certain that he gives himself much trouble 
about any thing, except what will sustain his pon- 
derous frame for the benefit of his country, when 
soldiers are needed, or when ramparts of cotton bags, 
or other bulky materials, have to be thrown up sud- 
denly to resist cannon shot. In such an emergency, 
the senator from Lawrence would be a most valua- 
ble acquisition ; at other times, he would find his 
level with ordinary men, where we think proper to 
leave him, adding the only title of which he is proud, 
but which he has never deigned to investigate, that 
of democrat. His age is that of a man in mature 
life. 



MR. ROSS. 169 

Mr. ROSS, (Of Wilcox,) 

Is an experienced senator, of plain, unpretending, 
yet sound abilities. He is very diligent and system- 
atic in the discharge of his public duties. In fact, it 
seems that he has no other use for time, during the 
business hours of the Senate, but to labor for the 
general good. This he does to the utmost of his 
opportunity and power. He seldom takes the floor ; 
and when he thinks proper to do so, he comes di- 
rectly to the point, and resumes his seat. His use- 
fulness as a committee man is very great. What- 
ever subject undergoes his scrutiny, and receives his 
sanction in committee, has much weight with his 
brother senators, as well it should. 

The fact that Mr. Ross mingles little, if any, in 
discussion, renders it impossible that we should grat- 
ify the laudable curiosity of our readers, to know 
how strong minded, practical men communicate their 
views to a public assembly, without the usual orna- 
ments. Besides his fine intellect, it is said that Mr. 
Ross has an excellent fund of humor on which he 
occasionally draws for the entertainment of the so- 
cial circle. He is a planter and whig, about forty- 
five years of age-. 



14' 



170 MR. THORNTON. 

Mr. THORNTON, (Of Greene,) 

Made his debut in the Senate in 1840. No citizen 
of the State is better known, and none more highly 
esteemed, regardless of party distinctions. He set- 
tled in Alabama, in 1823. At a future time he was 
elected to the Supreme Court Bench, which station 
he afterwards resigned, and resumed the practice of 
his profession, which has always been extensive. 
From the time Mr. Thornton settled in this State, 
twenty years ago, from Kentucky, he resided at 
Huntsville until about 1836, when he removed to the 
city of Mobile, and after an active and successful 
professional career there, he became a citizen of the 
county of Greene. 

There is, in the character of Mr. Thornton, what 
may be called true greatness. His talents are con- 
fessedly of the highest order, well disciplined, and 
equal to any occasion. As a speaker he is justly 
distinguished for clear, argumentative and even 
splendid eloquence, if the finest displays of language, 
passion and judgment may be said to amount to such. 
There is a method, in his manner of laying down his 
premises, and deducing conclusions from them, that 
never fails to strike the hearer with force. From 
the most complex and disputed theory, to the sim- 
plest maxim of life, the senator passes with the utmost 
ease and effect. But we have frequently thought he 
showed to most advantage when the common wants 
and necessities of men were involved in the subject. 
The overflowing kindness of his nature; the warm, 



MR. THORNTON. 171 

gushing benevolence of his heart, and his strong 
sympathies, were then brought into full action. He 
would set out, in his description, a young man beating 
his way into life, surrounded with domestic ties. 
His upright and industrious habits had enabled him 
to procure a little estate, in anticipation of the profits 
out of which he was to pay for it by his labor. The 
proceeds went faithfully to contract, until prices de- 
clined, and then came his nun. Mr. Thornton con- 
tended that as the action of government had run up 
the value of property, and tempted men into trade 
upon the most honorable and rational calculations of 
safety, it was the bounden duty of government to 
mitigate the evils of revulsion to the extent of its 
power. On this subject we have heard him make 
some powerful arguments and almost irresistible ap- 
peals. Cold and lifeless must be the heart of that 
man who can listen to the impassioned and masterly 
strains of Mr. Thornton's eloquence on such a theme, 
without being touched and improved. It is not the 
surpassing witchery of style that produces the inter- 
est ; but it is the goodness of the man, his unaffected 
sincerity, that gives the charm. 

The striking, honest, intellectual countenance of 
Mr. Thornton, beaming with good will towards all 
mankind, affords a just index to his character on first 
sight. He abhors oppression in every shape ; the 
idea that one man, because he has money, shall grind 
another to the dust, excites his indignation. The 
purest principles of justice, fairness and honor be- 
tween man and man, are those only he ever practised 
himself, and no other find in him an advocate. His 



172 MR. TOULMIX. 

style of speaking, as it respects delivery, is good ; 
few men in the State have better. For classic taste, 
and facility of language, he is among the first. We 
do not know that he has a personal enemy ; at least 
we never heard of one. His deportment is cour- 
teous and engaging ; his disposition free from severi- 
ty, and his whole life an unbroken series of upright 
acts. It is impossible that such a man could be oth- 
erwise than beloved wherever he is known. 

Mr. Thornton is probably forty-five years of age, 
and has a fresh, healthy appearance. He is a whig. 



Mr. TOULMXN, (Of Mobile,) 

Has been many years in the Senate. He is a sound 
headed, patient and practical man, without the least 
symptom of genius or imagination. His reports from 
committee are usually short, and cover as much 
ground as will make the question referred, intelligi- 
ble, and no more. As a speaker, he is smooth, calm 
and common place, though he always presents facts 
and reasons with distinctness. He is a very candid, 
grave senator, who has as little disposition to con- 
sume time in humorous sallies as any gentleman on 
the floor. Devoted to public business, his main ob- 
ject is to despatch it in short time, and return home. 
As a gentleman, Mr. Toulmin enjoys universal re- 
spect and confidence, His statement of any matter 



MR. WALKER. 173 

of fact are relied upon by all without scruple. He is 
a democrat and planter, about forty-seven years of 
affe. 



Mr. WALKER, (Of Benton,) 

Was transferred from the other end of the Capitol 
at the last election. There we gained our impres- 
sions of him. He occupied his share of time, and 
perhaps a great deal more, in discussion, without 
establishing a high character for abilities or elo- 
quence. Indeed, the senator from Benton was noto- 
riously deficient in the qualities necessary to raise a 
man to great elevation. He honestly believed him- 
self competent to manage any question ; and trust- 
ing this idea, he was fond of making attempts. That 
he succeeded admirably, in his own view, was clear; 
that he wofully missed the mark, in the opinion of 
others, was equally true. Here was a disparity of 
judgment on which we dwell no longer than to 
state it. 

The senator from Benton never took the floor five 
minutes, without inspiring dread in his fellow mem- 
bers, lest he should prove tedious, as they well knew 
he would be uninteresting. Occasionally he uttered 
some good things almost like argument ; never any 
thing like eloquence. His mental vision never wan- 
ders far, nor does it discriminate closely within its 



174 MR. WALTHALL. 

orbit. The particular manifestations of character to 
which we refer, were those in the lower House ; 
how he sustains himself, if better, in the Senate, we 
are not informed. He is a democrat and lawyer, 
very little over thirty years of age. 



Mr. WALTHALL, (Of Perry,) 

If not a perfectly new senator, has been one term at 
least out of service. He took his seat last winter, 
and gained considerable notoriety by the introduc- 
tion of his resolution to lay the State off into Con- 
gressional Districts, on the white basis. It was not 
our good fortune to hear the talented senator in de- 
bate during the session. Report speaks highly of 
him, not only for abilities and patriotism, but for the 
purest honor. We believe the journals of the legis- 
lature show that he has been a member many years 
ago, and perhaps for a long period. He is a demo- 
crat, and extensive planter, not far from fifty years 
of age. 



MR. W ATKINS. MR. WATROUS. 175 

Mr. WATKINS, (Of Monroe and Conecuh,) 

Is a physician and democrat. He came into the 
Senate last winter. Of his abilities in discussion, if 
he indulges at all that way, we can say nothing, as 
we had no chance of attending the Senate during 
the session. We understand that Mr. Watkins is a 
great admirer of the senator from Limestone, who as 
President, has great influence in that body. From 
the intelligence of the senator from Monroe, there 
can be no necessity for his relying too far upon any 
leader ; for he is quite capable of judging and acting 
for himself. We should take Mr. Watkins to be 
over forty years of age. 



Mr. WATROUS, (Of Shelby and Bibb,) 

Belongs to the legal profession, and has been many 
years in the Senate, where he has always maintained 
a high standing. 

We have not heard him speak except a few words, 
since 1840. At that session his health was so feeble 
that he abstained from taking much part in debate. 
What little we had the pleasure of listening to from 
the senator, impressed us with a high opinion of his 
abilities, which nothing has since diminished. He 
has a distinct, pleasant delivery, and commands the 



176 MR. WILSON, OF FAYETTE. 

respect of all parties for his urbanity and frankness. 
In politics he is a thorough whig, and we understand 
has been very successful in his profession. Mr. W. 
is close upon forty- two years of age. 



Mr. WILSON, (Of Fayette and Marion,) 

Is said to be a lawyer, a fact we never suspected un- 
til so informed after the late adjournment. Certain- 
ly his profession would never have acquired such 
fame for talking, had all its members kept their 
tongues at rest, like the senator from Fayette. 
Whether he was silent as a mark of wisdom to gain 
credit for what he could not hope if he engaged in 
discussion ; or whether he said nothing because no 
ideas knocked at the door of his mouth for liberty, is 
what we are not prepared to say. We can have an 
opinion, without expressing it. So far as we know, 
the senator is talented, and he may be the reverse of 
the common infirmity, of trying to pass for more than 
one is worth ; and that he strenuously endeavors to 
conceal his merits. If so, we congratulate him upon 
the success of his experiment. He belongs to the 
political majority, and appears to be of middle age. 



MR. WILSON, OF JACKSON. 177 

Mr. WILSON, (Of Jackson,) 

Is by , 10 means \ain or am >gant in his senat < >rial pre- 
tensions. So far from it, he is exceedingly modest ; 
and when he *eeks the floor, lie retains it no longer 
than to state facts, seldom to make an argument. 
There is the appearance of sincerity and good sense 
in most that falls from his lips. He ranks higher for 
diligence than any other quality, or at least he did at 
the session of 1640, when we reported in the Senate. 
Since then, we have no knowledge of the progress 
he has made in the science of legislation, or the art 
of public speaking. As a courteous gentleman, with- 
out any of the borrowed ornaments of reading, he is 
much respected. Last on the Roll, though not the 
least in worth, of his brother senators, we take our 
leave of him by stating that he is a planter, in the 
vigor of life. His politics are fixed beyond cavil, by 
the county he represents. 



CONCLUDING REMARK. 

In writing the sketches of legislative character, 
now completed, which first appeared weekly in the 
Monitor since the 1st of March, we have been actua- 
ted by no unkindness toward any member. Where 
we could safely bestow praise, it has not been with- 
held ; and whatever sarcasm or pleasantry we may 
have indulged, in relation to individual peculiarities, 
there has been nothing coarse or offensive in our re- 
marks. In a public body, consisting of one hundred 
and thirty-three members, wisely chosen without 
regard to classes in the community, it is not to be 
supposed that every one can figure as an eloquent 
statesman. We have endeavored to render justice 
to all. The idea of preparing these sketches never 
occurred to us until after the adjournment, and of 
course we have written them altogether from memo- 
ry. We made no inquiry except as to the pursuits 
of members. Their respective ages are merely con- 
jecture ; perhaps some are rather too old, and others 
younger than they really are. The question of age, 
however, is of no moment, as we presume it jeopards 
neither fame nor happiness. 



